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

It is visible to pit vipers as heat, giving them a Predator-like advantage for hunting.

From Salon

Nausea and appetite loss during gestation is not a uniquely human trait -- these symptoms have been observed throughout the animal kingdom, from monkeys, dogs, and cats, to chickens, vipers, and octopuses.

From Science Daily

But Trump is gleefully opening barrels of vipers and shaking them loose just to see where they might go and whom they might bite.

From Salon

Was it a deadly viper or a harmless python?

From Science Magazine

While 95Mat5 is effective against the venom of all elapids, it does not block the venom of vipers -- the second group of venomous snakes.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cobra