viperine

[ vahy-per-in, -puh-rahyn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a viper; venomous:

   a gossip with a viperine tongue.

Other Words From

• pseudo·viper·ine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of viperine¹

From the Latin word vīperīnus, dating back to 1540–50. See viper, -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Here, among a number of viperine snakes of about the same size, is a snake that lives on eggs.

From Project Gutenberg

But your Lamia has taught you some subtle 'viperine' reasoning and motiving, for the turning down one street instead of another.

From Project Gutenberg