First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
viper
noun vi·per \ˈvī-pər\
: a type of poisonous snake
Full Definition of VIPER
1
a : a common Eurasian venomous snake (Vipera berus) that attains a length of about two feet (0.6 meter), varies in color from red, brown, or gray with dark markings to black, and is usually not fatal to humans; broadly : any of a family (Viperidae) of venomous snakes that includes Old World snakes (subfamily Viperinae) and the pit vipers b : a venomous or reputedly venomous snake
2
: a vicious or treacherous person
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Origin of VIPER
Middle English vipere, from Latin vipera
VIPER Defined for Kids
viper
noun vi·per \ˈvī-pər\
Definition of VIPER for Kids
: a poisonous heavy-bodied snake with long hollow fangs
Medical Dictionary
viper
noun vi·per \ˈvī-pər\
Medical Definition of VIPER
1
: a common Eurasian venomous snake of the genus Vipera (V. berus) that attains a length of about two feet (0.6 meter), varies in color from red, brown, or gray with dark markings to black, and whose bite is usually not fatal to humans; broadly : any snake of an Old World subfamily (Viperinae) of the family Viperidae
2
3
: a venomous or reputedly venomous snake
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