01 n. Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous snakes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidae.
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1.
Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous snakes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidae.(Zool.)“There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.” — Acts xxviii. 3.
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2.
A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.“Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secrecy.” — Milton.
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3.
Loosely, any venomous or presumed venomous snake.
Phrases & compounds
Horned viper —
See Cerastes.
Red viper —
the copperhead.
Viper fish —
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 —
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 —
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.