Elapid
/ɪˈlæpɪd/noun
A snake belonging to the family Elapidae, which includes cobras, mambas, coral snakes, and taipans.
Did you know?Elapids are defined by fixed, front-mounted fangs, a venom-delivery design that includes some of the world’s most medically significant snakes.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἔλαψ (élaps)
“A venomous snake or serpent; the precise original species identification is uncertain.”
18th Century
Latin
Elaps
“A taxonomic genus name formed from the Greek serpent term.”
19th Century
New Latin
Elapidae
“The scientific family name based on Elaps, covering front-fanged venomous snakes.”
19th Century
Scientific English
elapid
“Of or relating to the snake family Elapidae.”
Modern English
English
elapid
“A member of, or adjective relating to, the cobra-and-mamba family of snakes.”