Python
/ˈpaɪ.θən/noun
A large nonvenomous constricting snake, or a high-level programming language named after the comedy group Monty Python.
Did you know?In Greek myth, Python guarded Delphi’s sacred oracle until Apollo killed it, after which the priestess became known as the Pythia and the site gained the title Pythian.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Pythō
“The ancient place-name for Delphi, traditionally associated with the serpent Python; its deeper origin is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Pythōn
“The serpent or dragon said to guard Delphi and be slain by Apollo.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Pythia
“The priestess and prophetic voice of Apollo’s oracle at Delphi.”
Latin
Latin
Python
“A prophetic serpent or dragon, borrowed from Greek mythology.”
16th Century
English
python
“A large serpent, especially one associated with tropical regions.”
20th Century
English
Python
“A programming-language name derived from Monty Python’s comedy troupe, not directly from the serpent.”