boa

Everyday

1. A large snake that kills its prey by wrapping round it and squeezing, as the boa constrictor of Central and South America does. tree →
2. A long, fluffy scarf made of feathers or fur, worn round the neck for dressing up: a feather boa. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons boas are an example of constrictors, which squeeze rather than use venom; they give birth to live young. In everyday life feather boas appear in dressing-up boxes, parties and shows. Phrases: boa constrictor, feather boa.

Examples

• A boa constrictor squeezes its prey. tree →
• Boas are not venomous. tree →
• The zoo keeper let us touch a boa. tree →
• She wore a pink feather boa to the party. tree →
• Boas give birth to live baby snakes. tree →
• The boa wrapped itself around a branch. tree →

Note

Countable: a boa, boas. Pronounced BOH-a. Not the same as a python (which lays eggs) or an anaconda (a kind of boa). Myth: boas do not crush bones to kill; they squeeze so blood cannot flow.