noun
viper
VY-per/ˈvaɪpər/
A venomous snake with long, hinged fangs.
The coiled viper opens its mouth, revealing its long, curved fangs.
Etymology
The roots describe bearing live young, pointing to reproduction rather than venom. Vipers generally retain their eggs inside the mother until hatching, so the young emerge alive.
In context
Potently cytotoxic with additional hemotoxic components, carpet viper venom destroys tissue, organs, almost always resulting in loss of limbs or lives in hours.
More examples
- A viper folds its fangs back when it closes its mouth.
- The hikers keep their distance from the viper beside the trail.
- Vipers use venom to subdue their prey.
Forms
viper · vipers