viper
definition
a venomous snake of the family viperidae typically characterized by long retractable fangs
example
The hiker spotted a viper coiled under a rock, its distinctive markings blending seamlessly with the environment.
synonyms
serpentsnakeadder
word origin — from Middle English 'viper', via Old French from Latin 'vipera', probably derived from 'vivere', meaning 'to live', in reference to their viviparous nature.