especially: any of the large oviparous snakes (subfamily Pythoninae of the family Boidae) of Africa, Asia, Australia, and adjacent islands that include some of the largest existing snakes
Illustration of python
Examples of python in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebThe 14-year-old albino Burmese python named Virginia was found crawling through a garden near 146th Street and the Monon Trail.—Arika Herron, Axios, 11 July 2024 For example, many pythons have been found insufficiently pithed or even allegedly alive at check stations.—Brandon Rahe, Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2024 His biceps might even challenge 1980s pro wrestling sensation Hulk Hogan and his 24-inch pythons.—Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2024 The final animal model of the day is Melanie, a black-headed python.—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for python
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Word History
Etymology
Latin, monstrous serpent killed by Apollo, from Greek Pythōn, from Pythō Delphi
: any of various large nonpoisonous snakes especially of Africa, Asia, and Australia that squeeze and suffocate their prey and include some of the largest snakes living at the present time
Etymology
named for Python, a monstrous serpent in Greek Legend
Word Origin
Python in Greek legend, was the name of a monstrous serpent that lived in the caves of Mt. Parnassus near the town of Delphi. This serpent attacked the mother of the god Apollo. Zeus, fortunately, came to her aid and removed her to a place of safety. Later, Apollo sought revenge for the attack. With bow and arrow he hunted the dreaded Python. After struggling with and finally slaying the serpent, Apollo buried it in the temple at Delphi. To celebrate this victory a festival of games was held, including athletic and musical contests and a dramatic performance of Apollo's slaying of Python. These games continued to be held every four years until the 4th century a.d. They were called the Pythian games and ranked second to the Olympic games in popularity. Its was not until the 19th century that the word python was used for a large snake that crushes its prey.
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