noun
boa
BOH-uh/ˈbəʊə/
A large nonvenomous snake that kills prey by squeezing it.
The boa coils tightly around the rat, killing its prey by constriction.
Etymology
Latin boa named a large serpent, though its deeper origin is unknown. English narrowed that broad label to large nonvenomous snakes that kill by constriction.
In context
but even a boa constrictor can put up a fight long smooth and full of muscle the boa isn't poisonous but it's definitely a brute boas don't strike they bite Embrace and squeeze suffocating their prey
More examples
- The keeper watches the boa move slowly across the log.
- Several boas appear in the reptile exhibit.
- A boa subdues prey through constriction.
Forms
boa · boas
Similar words
- python
- Another group of large constricting snakes, with different biological features.