Definition of viper

vi´per   Pronunciation: vī´pẽr
n.1.
1.(Zool.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous snakes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidæ.
There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
- Acts xxviii. 3.
2.A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.
Who committed
To such a viper his most sacred trust
Of secrecy.
- Milton.
3.Loosely, any venomous or presumed venomous snake.
Horned viper
(Zool.) See Cerastes.
Red viper
(Zool.) the copperhead.
Viper fish
(Zool.) a small, slender, phosphorescent deep-sea fish (Chauliodus Sloanii). It has long ventral and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp teeth.
Viper's bugloss
(Bot.) a rough-leaved biennial herb (Echium vulgare) having showy purplish blue flowers. It is sometimes cultivated, but has become a pestilent weed in fields from New York to Virginia. Also called blue weed.
Viper's grass
(Bot.) a perennial composite herb (Scorzonera Hispanica) with narrow, entire leaves, and solitary heads of yellow flowers. The long, white, carrot-shaped roots are used for food in Spain and some other countries. Called also viper grass.


Related Words

animal, beast, cur, dog, hound, hyena, insect, mongrel, ophidian, pig, pit viper, polecat, reptile, sea snake, serpent, skunk, snake, swine, varmint, vermin, whelp, worm

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