Definition
dipsas
noun
- A venomous snake of Africa and Asia, formerly believed to cause death by thirst.
Usage: archaic; literary; from Greek mythology and ancient natural history
Examples
- Ancient texts described the dipsas as a serpent whose bite induced an unquenchable thirst.
- The dipsas was mentioned in classical literature as one of the most feared venomous creatures.
- Medieval scholars debated whether the dipsas was a real species or merely a mythological beast.
- In old bestiaries, the dipsas appeared alongside other legendary and actual dangerous animals.