Krait

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /kɹaɪt/

Definitions

1. A type of highly poisonous snake distinguished by its vibrant markings and presence in Asian tropical regions
2. This snake species is recognized for its potent venom and notable coloration, often inhabiting various parts of Asia
3. A species of venomous snake known for its striking colors and found primarily in tropical environments across Asia

Etymology: The krait is a snake whose name arrived in English from India. Its source is Hindi "karait", the name for this group of venomous snakes, and the word is generally thought to come from Kurux, a Dravidian language spoken in parts of eastern India. The English word thus carries a South Asian name for the snake rather than a classical or Germanic one, which is typical of many animal and plant names that British writers picked up during their years in India. The word is a loanword, taken over whole with its sound and meaning, so the English form stays close to the original. Speakers in the colonial period encountered these snakes in the Indian subcontinent and borrowed the local term instead of inventing a new one, a pattern that also gave English words such as "bungalow" and "pariah".

Synonyms: snake, serpent, reptile, venomous snake, elapid