viperous

[ vahy-per-uhs ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or resembling a viper:

   a viperous movement.

2. of or relating to vipers.
3. characteristic of vipers.
4. venomous.

viperous

/ ˈvaɪpərəs /

adjective

1. Alsoviperineˈvaɪpəˌraɪn of, relating to, or resembling a viper
2. malicious

Derived Forms

• ˈviperously, adverb

Other Words From

• viper·ous·ly adverb
• pseudo·viper·ous adjective
• pseudo·viper·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of viperous¹

First recorded in 1525–35; viper + -ous

Example Sentences

The cutting of great tracts of grass for hay stirred them into viperous action.

From Project Gutenberg

It's more viperous than any other snake of the viper bunch, an' its disposition is mean and yellow right through.

From Project Gutenberg

Over a thousand miles we dart our viperous hearts at innocent men.

From Project Gutenberg

Civil dissension is a viperous worm / That gnaws the bowels of the commonwealth.

From Project Gutenberg

Deaf, because insensible to the beauty of Keats's verse; and viperous, because poisonous and malignant.

From Project Gutenberg