viper

[ vahy-per ]

noun

1. any of several venomous Old World snakes of the genus Vipera, especially V. berus, a small snake common in northern Eurasia.
2. any related snakes belonging to the family Viperidae, characterized by erectile, venom-conducting fangs.
3. pit viper.
4. any of various venomous or supposedly venomous snakes.
5. a malignant or spiteful person.
6. a false or treacherous person.
7. Viper, Military. a 9-pound (4-kilogram), shoulder-launched, unguided U.S. Army antitank rocket with an effective range of 273 yards (250 meters).

viper

/ ˈvaɪpə /

noun

1. any venomous Old World snake of the family Viperidae, esp any of the genus Vipera (the adder and related forms), having hollow fangs in the upper jaw that are used to inject venom
2. any of various other snakes, such as the horned viper
3. See pit viper
4. a malicious or treacherous person

Derived Forms

• ˈviper-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• viper·ish adjective
• viper·ish·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of viper¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin vīpera, variant of unattested vīvipera, noun use of feminine of unattested vīviper, later (as re-formation) vīviparus “bringing forth live young”; vivi-, -parous

Word History and Origins

Origin of viper¹

C16: from Latin vīpera, perhaps from vīvus living + parere to bear, referring to a tradition that the viper was viviparous

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to nourish a viper in one's bosom, to befriend a person who proves to be treacherous.

Example Sentences

The BBC also understands that Royal Navy Destroyer, HMS Duncan, did not fire any of her Sea Viper missiles.

From BBC

He gave no further details but the BBC understands British military jets did not shoot down any Iranian ballistic missiles nor did the Royal Navy Destroyer, HMS Duncan, fire any Sea Viper missiles.

From BBC

The chip, dusted with two very hot peppers, the Carolina Reaper and the Naga Viper, had a label on the box that read, “One Chip Challenge” and carried a warning — “Inside: One Extremely Hot Chip.”

From New York Times

In 1998, a man named Scott was working in postproduction at Lucasfilm when he met Spacey at the Viper Room in Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

HMS Diamond previously operated in the region in December and January, and came under fire in three separate attacks by Houthi forces, successfully destroying nine drones with the Sea Viper missile system and guns.

From BBC

Related Words

• cobra