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python

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpaɪθɑn// UK //pˈaɪθən// python Informal Slang Vulgar

n. a very large snake that kills its prey by squeezing it tightly. It is also the name of a popular computer programming language.

n. a large, non-venomous constricting snake found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. When capitalised, it refers to a high-level, general-purpose programming language known for its readability.


SIMPLE

The python at the zoo is over four meters long.

CONTEXTUAL

Many data scientists prefer using Python because it has a large library of tools for statistical analysis.

COMPLEX

While the zookeeper monitored the python's feeding habits, the research team used a Python script to automate the collection of temperature data from the enclosure.

Origin

From Ancient Greek Πύθων (Púthōn), from Πῡθώ (Pūthṓ), the early name of Delphi, from πύθω (púthō, “to rot, to decay”). The programming language is named after Monty Python.

Usage

Capitalised when referring to the programming language; lowercase when referring to the biological family of snakes.

Idioms1 entry

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