Naja
/ˈneɪdʒə/ /ˈneɪjə/ /ˈnɑːdʒə/(also Naia)
noun
Any of several cobras constituting the genus Naja. Also (now chiefly): the genus itself.
- Valid publication of the genus name: J. N. Laurentius Specimen Medicum Synopsin Reptilium (1768) 90..
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in Chambers's Cyclopaedia. From post-classical Latin naia, naja (E. Kaempfer, ultimately from Sanskrit nāga snake, perhaps via Sinhala nayā.