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Cob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cob

[kɒb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

type of snake

A cob is a type of snake that is known for its distinctive hooded appearance. Cobs are often found in tropical regions and are known for their venomous bite.

Synonyms

hooded snake, venomous serpent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cob

Another meaning refers to the central woody part of an ear of corn. Commonly found in cooking or agricultural contexts.

  • After eating the corn, we used the cob as compost.
  • The kids enjoyed buttering and eating corn on the cob.
hooded snake

Typically refers to a cobra, a type of snake known for its hood. Used in discussions about wildlife, nature, or sometimes mythology.

  • The hooded snake expanded its hood as a warning.
  • Cobras are one of the most recognizable hooded snakes in the world.
venomous serpent

Describes a dangerous snake that injects venom, often used in a more dramatic or literary context. May have a negative connotation.

  • The explorer was wary of the venomous serpent hidden in the grass.
  • Legends spoke of a venomous serpent guarding the ancient ruins.

Examples of usage

  • The cob slithered through the grass, its hood flaring as a warning.
  • Watch out for cobs in this area, they are highly venomous.
Context #2 | Noun

male swan

In the bird kingdom, a cob refers to a male swan. Male swans are known for their aggressive behavior during mating season, where they fiercely protect their territory.

Synonyms

male swan, swan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cob

Refers to a type of male swan. Generally suitable in contexts involving wildlife, bird watching, or nature documentaries.

  • The cob swam gracefully beside the pen and their cygnets.
  • A cob can be easily identified by his strong, curved neck.
male swan

This term is straightforward and less technical, making it suitable for general conversation and when addressing a broad audience.

  • The male swan was fiercely protective of his territory.
  • A male swan typically pairs for life.
swan

Can refer to either a male or female swan. Used commonly in various contexts including literature, poetry, and everyday conversation about birds or beauty.

  • The swan glided across the lake with elegance.
  • Swans are often symbols of grace and beauty in literature.

Examples of usage

  • The cob glided gracefully across the lake, his white feathers shining in the sun.
  • During mating season, the cob becomes territorial and aggressive.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Corn plants grow several ears, but the cob is where all the corn kernels attach, providing essential nutrients.
  • Cobs can also be used in various cooking methods, such as grilling or steaming, to enhance the flavor of the kernels.
  • In some cultures, corn cobs are utilized to create biofuel, taking advantage of every part of the corn plant.

Architecture

  • In traditional cob building, a natural building material made of clay, sand, and straw, the technique dates back thousands of years.
  • Cob structures are known for their durability and insulation, favored in many ancient cultures around the world.
  • The process of building with cob embodies sustainable practices, as it uses locally sourced materials and has a low environmental impact.

Food Culture

  • In some regions, serving corn on the cob during summer barbecues is a beloved tradition, emphasizing the communal aspect of food.
  • Popcorn is made from a particular type of corn, but can also grow on cobs that look quite different from sweet corn varieties.
  • Corn on the cob has been celebrated in festivals, highlighting its cultural significance around the world.

Environmental Science

  • Corn cobs are often compostable, contributing to sustainable waste management practices and enriching soil.
  • They can also be used as a raw material in creating biodegradable plastics, reducing reliance on petroleum-based products.
  • Studies suggest that utilizing all parts of crops, like cobs, can lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduce waste.

Origin of 'cob'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cob' comes from the Old English term 'cobban,' which means 'a head or a block.'
  • In medieval English, 'cob' also referred to a young male horse, illustrating the word's diverse uses over time.
  • The term evolved in the 1600s to specifically refer to the core structure of an ear of corn.

The word 'cob' has a long history dating back to Old English, where it originally referred to a lump or rounded mass. Over time, the word evolved to have various meanings, including a male swan and a type of snake. The use of 'cob' to refer to a male swan dates back to the 15th century, while its use for a snake likely originated from its hooded appearance.

See also: cobra.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,173, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.