rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaspVenomous snake
noun

asp

ASP/æsp/

A small venomous snake, especially one associated with ancient Egypt.

The small asp coils beside a leaf and displays its short fangs.

A small asp viper loosely coiled beside a dry leaf for scale, its raised head and open defensive mouth revealing two short upper fangs.
Etymology
aspGreekround shield; Egyptian viper

Greek aspis meant “round shield” as well as the snake, probably referring to its neck hood. The name later extended to European vipers and adders.

In context

Mythology Unleashed4:52
a real-life venomous snake of North Africa or Southwest Asia, perhaps an asp or a cobra
Basilisk & Cockatrice | The Deadliest of Serpents

More examples

  • The legend describes a bite from an asp.
  • The exhibit explains which snakes were called asps.
  • An asp appears as a symbol in the story.

Forms

asp · asps

Similar words

viper
A more specific zoological grouping than the historical name asp.