n :  any of several venomous elapid snakes (genus Dendroaspis) of sub-Saharan Africa that are related to the cobras but lack a dilatable hood : esp  :  a southern African snake (D. angusticeps) that has a light or olive-green phase and a black phase, that attains in the latter phase a length of 12 feet (3.66 meters), and that is noted for the quickness with which it inflicts its often fatal bite .
 
   
 
Similar sounding terms:  maim  mam·ma 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.