Pronunciation: [ˈasps] (IPA) 
The word "asps" is a plural form of "asp", which is a type of venomous snake. The IPA phonetic transcription for "asps" is /æsps/, with the first sound representing the short "a" vowel sound, followed by the voiceless "s" sound for the second and third letters. The final sound is represented by the voiceless "p" sound. The spelling of this word follows general English phonetic rules, with the "s" at the end indicating that it is plural.
Asps refer to a group of venomous snakes belonging to the Viperidae family, characterized by their potent venom and distinct physical features. The dictionary definition of asps encompasses various aspects of these snakes, including their physical characteristics, venomous nature, and historical significance.
Asps are typically medium-sized snakes, ranging from 0.6 to 1.4 meters in length. They possess a slender body, triangular-shaped head, and vertically elliptical pupils. These snakes are predominantly found in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
What sets asps apart is their venom, known for its high toxicity. The venom consists of a mixture of neurotoxins and cytotoxins, which can cause severe pain, tissue damage, and potentially fatal paralysis in their prey and victims alike. Historically, asps were feared for their lethal venom, making them infamous in ancient mythology and often associated with assassination.
One significant asp species is the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), which is also known as the asp. This snake has an iconic association with the ancient pharaohs of Egypt, who used it as a symbol of royalty. The cobra's image unfolded from the front of the crown worn by the pharaohs, known as the uraeus, which represented their divine authority.
In summary, asps are venomous snakes characterized by their slender build, triangular head, and potent neurotoxic venom. They hold historical significance, particularly the Egyptian cobra, which was a symbol of royalty in ancient Egypt. Asps continue to be intriguing creatures, attracting both scientific interest and respect for their fascinating attributes.
The word "asps" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the ancient Egyptian word "asp", which referred to the Egyptian Cobra (scientifically known as Naja haje). Ancient Egyptians considered the cobra a sacred symbol and often associated it with royalty and divine power. The term "asp" was later adopted in ancient Greek as "aspis" (ἀσπίς), which also meant "shield" and "asp", referring to the snake's characteristic hood that resembles a shield.
In ancient Rome, the term evolved into "aspis" or "aspid-" in Latin, still referring to the serpent. Over time, the word further transformed in medieval Latin and Old French, becoming "aspe". Eventually, during the Middle English period, it transformed into "aspes" and, later, "asps", referring specifically to venomous snakes.
