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Definitions for: Viper
[n] venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw
Webster (1913) Definition: Vi"per, n. [F. vip[`e]re, L. vipera, probably contr. fr.
vivipera; vivus alive + parere to bring forth, because it was
believed to be the only serpent that brings forth living
young. Cf. Quick, a., Parent, Viviparous, Wivern,
Weever.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Old World
venomous makes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia,
and other genera of the family Viperid[ae].
There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on
his hand. --Acts xxviii.
3.
Note: Among the best-known species are the European adder
(Pelias berus), the European asp (Vipera aspis),
the African horned viper (V. cerastes), and the
Indian viper (Daboia Russellii).
2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.
Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust
Of secrecy. --Milton.
Horned viper. (Zo["o]l.) See Cerastes.
Red viper (Zo["o]l.), the copperhead.
Viper fish (Zo["o]l.), 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.
See Also: adder, asp, asp viper, Bitis arietans, Bitis gabonica, cerastes, Cerastes cornutus, common viper, family Viperidae, gaboon viper, horned asp, horned viper, ophidian, pit viper, puff adder, sand viper, serpent, snake, Vipera aspis, Vipera berus, Viperidae
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