1. in Greek mythology, a tree nymph whose life is bound to a particular tree
Usage: mythology
2. a large venomous snake of Southeast Asia, also called the king cobra
Usage: zoology

Examples

• The ancient Greeks believed that each oak tree was inhabited by a hamadryad.
• According to legend, if a hamadryad’s tree was cut down, the nymph would die.
• The hamadryad is the longest venomous snake in the world.
• Wildlife researchers studied the hamadryad’s hunting behavior in the Thai jungle.
• In the myth, the hero fell in love with a beautiful hamadryad who lived in the sacred grove.
• The hamadryad can grow up to 18 feet in length and is found throughout Southeast Asia.