an·a·con·da ( n  -k n d)n. Either of two nonvenomous, semiaquatic snakes (Eunectes murinus or E. noteus) of tropical South America that kill their prey by suffocating it in their coils. E. murinus, the giant anaconda, can attain lengths from 5 to 9 meters (16.4 to 29.5 feet). [Perhaps alteration of Sinhalese henakanday  , whip snake.] |
anaconda [ˌænəˈkɒndə]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) a very large nonvenomous arboreal and semiaquatic snake, Eunectes murinus, of tropical South America, which kills its prey by constriction: family Boidae (boas)
[probably changed from Sinhalese henakandayā whip snake, from hena lightning + kanda stem; originally referring to a snake of Sri Lanka]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  anaconda - large arboreal boa of tropical South Americaboa - any of several chiefly tropical constrictors with vestigial hind limbs Eunectes, genus Eunectes - anacondas |
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