anaconda: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, biological; informal when used metaphorically
Quick answer
What does “anaconda” mean?
A very large, non-venomous constricting snake of the boa family, found in tropical South America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large, non-venomous constricting snake of the boa family, found in tropical South America.
Can metaphorically refer to something enormous, powerful, or suffocating that wraps around and constricts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in referent. Slightly more common in British nature documentaries; metaphorical use is equally understood.
Connotations
Both varieties strongly associate with size, power, and the Amazon.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both, occurring primarily in zoological, documentary, travel, or metaphorical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anaconda” in a Sentence
The anaconda [verb: wrapped, squeezed, lurked]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anaconda” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vines seemed to anaconda their way around the old shed.
- He felt the rules began to anaconda his creativity.
American English
- The bureaucracy can anaconda a small business with paperwork.
- The debt slowly anacondaed their finances.
adverb
British English
- The pressure increased anaconda-slowly.
- He held on anaconda-tight.
American English
- The crowd closed in anaconda-close.
- She hugged him anaconda-strong.
adjective
British English
- They faced an anaconda-like problem that just kept tightening.
- He had an anaconda grip on the market.
American English
- She was caught in an anaconda squeeze between work and family.
- The anaconda strength of the current was alarming.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The company was caught in the anaconda grip of the new regulations.'
Academic
Zoological: 'Eunectes murinus, the green anaconda, is an apex aquatic predator.'
Everyday
Descriptive: 'We saw an anaconda at the zoo—it was massive!'
Technical
Herpetological: 'Anacondas are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anaconda”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anaconda”
- Pronouncing as /ˈænəˌkɒndə/ with primary stress on first syllable. Incorrectly calling it 'poisonous'. Using for any large snake outside South America.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Anacondas are boas (family Boidae) from South America and give birth to live young. Pythons (family Pythonidae) are from Africa, Asia, and Australia and lay eggs.
While extremely rare and not typical prey, large green anacondas are physically capable of eating a human, but verified cases are almost non-existent. They prefer wild prey like capybaras and caimans.
It refers to a hostile takeover tactic or a market force that slowly and powerfully squeezes out competition or absorbs a company.
Yes, informally and metaphorically. It means to envelop and constrict something, e.g., 'The new policy began to anaconda our operational freedom.'
A very large, non-venomous constricting snake of the boa family, found in tropical South America.
Anaconda is usually formal, biological; informal when used metaphorically in register.
Anaconda: in British English it is pronounced /ˌænəˈkɒndə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænəˈkɑːndə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An anaconda of debt (metaphorical: suffocating, inescapable)”
- “To give someone the anaconda treatment (to overwhelm and constrict)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANACONDA: A Non-poisonous Amazonian Constrictor Of Notable Dimensions & Appetite.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A CONSTRICTING SERPENT (e.g., 'an anaconda of bureaucracy')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary method by which an anaconda subdues its prey?