rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymambaVenomous African snake
noun

mamba

MAM-buh/ˈmæmbə/

A fast-moving, venomous African snake.

The mamba raises its forebody above the ground.

A single black mamba with its long olive-gray body in loose ground-level curves, forebody raised and mouth open to reveal the characteristic inky-black interior.
Etymology
mambaZuluvenomous snake

Zulu imamba supplies a possible whole-word source for the African snake’s name; the source also offers Swahili mamba as an alternative.

In context

Nat Geo Animals33:21
its most feared snake-- the black mamba. Almost 15 feet of pure muscle, black mambas are Africa's longest venomous snake and the world's quickest.
Africa's Most Dangerous Snakes (Full Episode) | World's Deadliest Snakes | Nat Geo Animals

More examples

  • The keeper observed the mamba from behind a secure barrier.
  • A green mamba rested among the leaves.
  • The documentary described the mamba’s venomous bite.

Forms

mamba · mambas