cobra de capello: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic / Historical / Literary / Zoological (Specialized)
Quick answer
What does “cobra de capello” mean?
A specific type of venomous snake, the Indian cobra (Naja naja), historically referred to by this term meaning 'hooded serpent'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific type of venomous snake, the Indian cobra (Naja naja), historically referred to by this term meaning 'hooded serpent'.
A term used historically and in literary contexts to refer to the Indian cobra, emphasizing its iconic defensive hood. In modern usage, it appears primarily in historical texts, older zoological classifications, or as a deliberate archaic reference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No active difference in modern usage, as the term is equally archaic in both varieties. It might be marginally more familiar in British English due to historical colonial connections with India.
Connotations
Historical, colonial-era texts, old naturalist writings.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both; appears in historical or specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cobra de capello” in a Sentence
[The/ A] cobra de capello + [verb]referred to as [the] cobra de capelloVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in historical zoology papers or colonial history texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Obsolete taxonomic or herpetological term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cobra de capello”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cobra de capello”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cobra de capello”
- Using it in modern conversation.
- Spelling it as 'cobra de capella' or 'cobra de capelo'.
- Treating it as a common noun instead of a historical proper noun phrase.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term found primarily in historical or literary works.
It is from Portuguese, meaning 'of the hood', referring to the snake's iconic defensive hood.
The Indian cobra or spectacled cobra (scientific name: Naja naja).
No. It is for passive recognition only, useful for reading older texts. Use 'Indian cobra' or simply 'cobra' in active vocabulary.
A specific type of venomous snake, the Indian cobra (Naja naja), historically referred to by this term meaning 'hooded serpent'.
Cobra de capello is usually archaic / historical / literary / zoological (specialized) in register.
Cobra de capello: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ.brə də kəˈpel.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊ.brə də kəˈpel.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a cobra with a CAP (capello) on its head, which is actually its hood.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A HOODED FIGURE; THE EXOTIC IS HISTORICAL.
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the term 'cobra de capello' today?