The spelling of the word 'baby cobra' is fairly straightforward. The first syllable 'ba' is pronounced with a short 'a' sound, represented by /bæ/. The second syllable 'by' is pronounced with a long 'i' sound, represented by /baɪ/. Finally, the last syllable 'co' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound, represented by /kɒ/. When put together, the phonetic transcription for 'baby cobra' is /bæbi ˈkəʊbrə/. This word refers to a young or small cobra snake, which can pose a significant danger to humans.
Baby cobra is a term used to describe a yoga pose that involves a gentle backbend with the torso resting on the floor and the hands placed directly under the shoulders. In this pose, the legs and lower body remain on the ground, creating a slight arch in the spine similar to that of a small cobra snake raising its head.
Also known as low cobra, this asana is often practiced as a variation of the more advanced cobra pose. The baby cobra pose is typically performed as part of a yoga sequence or as a warm-up exercise to prepare the body for deeper backbends. It helps release tension in the lower back, strengthens the spine, and promotes flexibility in the chest and shoulders.
To execute the baby cobra pose, one should begin by lying face down on the mat or ground. With the palms on the floor at shoulder level and elbows slightly bent, the practitioner gently lifts the upper body off the ground, using the strength of the back muscles. The gaze is forward, and the shoulders remain relaxed without hunching. The legs are extended straight behind the body, and the hips and thighs maintain contact with the ground.
It is advisable to practice the baby cobra pose under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor, particularly for beginners or individuals with back or neck issues to ensure correct alignment and prevent injury.
The term "baby cobra" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words: "baby" and "cobra".
"Baby" comes from the Old English word "baba", which meant "infant" or "child". It has been used in various languages with similar meanings.
"Cobra" is a word derived from Portuguese or Spanish, which in turn came from the Latin word "coluber", meaning "snake". The term "cobra" is commonly used to refer to a venomous snake species found predominantly in Asia and Africa.
When combined, "baby cobra" is sometimes used as a nickname or term to describe the infant stage of a cobra, portraying the young snake's cute appearance. However, it is important to note that "baby cobra" is not an official zoological or biological term.