Definition

Noun A taxonomic family of venomous snakes known as vipers, characterized by long, hollow fangs that fold against the roof of the mouth when not in use. This family traditionally included both Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) and New World (the Americas) vipers, though modern taxonomy often splits them. The term specifically refers to a major lineage within the snake suborder Serpentes.

Usage and Examples

• The family Viperidae includes some of the world's most medically significant venomous snakes.
• Biologists study the hemotoxic venom common to many members of the family Viperidae.
• A key morphological feature of the family Viperidae is its solenoglyphous fang structure.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• In older classifications, Viperidae was a broader family encompassing all true vipers and pit vipers. Contemporary phylogenetic studies often reclassify it more narrowly, primarily as Old World vipers, while pit vipers are placed in a separate family, Crotalidae.
• The name is always capitalized when used in its formal taxonomic sense: Family Viperidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Viperid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Viperidae; relating to this family. (e.g., "Viperid snakes have a distinctive triangular head.")
• Viperinae: The subfamily within Viperidae containing the true (or pitless) Old World vipers.
• Crotalinae: The subfamily within Viperidae containing the pit vipers (e.g., rattlesnakes), though often treated as a separate family.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Vipers: The common name for snakes in this family.
• Adders: A common name for certain viperid species, especially in Europe.
• True vipers: Often used to specify members of the subfamily Viperinae (Old World vipers without heat-sensing pits).

Phrases and Collocations

• Member of the family Viperidae: A standard phrase in zoological description.
• Viperidae family: An alternative word order with the same meaning.
• Within the Viperidae: Used to describe characteristics, evolution, or relationships inside this taxonomic group.

Noun

1. Old World vipers