Python

/ˈpaɪθɑːn/ or /ˈpaɪθən/ noun

Definition

A large, non‑poisonous snake that kills its prey by wrapping around it and squeezing; it is also the name of a popular computer programming language.

Etymology

From Greek *Python*, the name of a mythical serpent killed by the god Apollo. The programming language Python was named much later after the British comedy group 'Monty Python', not directly after the snake.

Kelly Says

The programming language Python isn’t named after the snake at all—it’s a tribute to 'Monty Python’s Flying Circus', a comedy show. That’s why Python tutorials sometimes sneak in silly examples and jokes as a quiet tradition.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.