taipan
Definition
Noun: 1. A large, highly venomous snake native to northeastern Australia and New Guinea: A taipan is a species of elapid snake known for its potent venom, size, and speed. It is considered one of the world's most dangerous snakes.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The coastal taipan is one of the most feared snakes in Australia.
- Researchers are studying the venom of the taipan for potential medical applications.
- If you encounter a taipan in the wild, it is crucial to keep a safe distance.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) and in discussions about dangerous wildlife.
- It can be used metaphorically to describe something extremely dangerous or formidable, though this is a less common literary usage.
- The corporate takeover bid was a financial taipan, striking quickly and with deadly effect.
Variants and Related Words
- Coastal taipan (): The specific species found in northern and eastern Australia and New Guinea.
- Inland taipan (): Also known as the "fierce snake," a related species found in central-east Australia, often noted as having the most toxic venom of any land snake.
Synonyms
- Elapid snake (scientific classification)
- Venomous serpent (general descriptive term)
Related Phrases
- As dangerous as a taipan: An idiomatic comparison to emphasize extreme danger.
- That untreated electrical fault is as dangerous as a taipan.
Noun
-
large highly venomous snake of northeastern Australia
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