viper Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw

WordNet

Vi"per noun
Etymology
F. vipère, 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.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous makes 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.
    ✍ 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.

Webster 1913