viper

noun vi·per \ˈvī-pər\

: a type of poisonous snake

Full Definition of VIPER

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

: a vicious or treacherous person

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Origin of VIPER

Middle English vipere, from Latin vipera

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to VIPER

Synonyms: serpent, snake

Rhymes with VIPER

diaper, griper, hyper, piper, sniper, striper, wiper

VIPERS 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

: 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

: pit viper

: a venomous or reputedly venomous snake