common viper

7.5

A small snake with a dark zigzag back and poison in its bite that lives in northern Europe and Asia

noun

: víbora común

Despite its venom, the bite of a common viper is rarely fatal to humans.

Examples

The common viper can be identified by its distinct zigzag pattern along its back.
We spotted a common viper basking on a rock during our hike in Sweden.
The common viper is the only venomous snake native to Britain.
The common viper is often seen in grassy areas.
A common viper can be recognized by its zigzag pattern.
While hiking in the forest, we were excited to see a common viper slithering through the underbrush.
In northern Eurasia, the common viper is known for its mild venom and frequent sightings in open fields.

Synonyms

viper

vscommon viper

41 7.2

A venomous snake with long hollow fangs that inject venom

is the single species term that specifies a small zigzag patterned snake

adder

vscommon viper

2 8.0

A small venomous snake that lives in northern Europe and Asia

is the more descriptive label stressing zigzag pattern and mildly poisonous bite

Vipera berus

vscommon viper

Specialized

9.9

A small venomous snake that lives in northern Europe and Asia

is the familiar common name that highlights zigzag pattern and mild venom

Surface Forms

common viper singular

common vipers plural

Morphology

common + viper

The phrase is a straightforward noun phrase composed of 'common' (frequent, typical) modifying 'viper' (a venomous snake), so its meaning—a viper species or individual that is common/widespread—is directly derivable from the constituents. This is not idiomatic and follows normal adjective+noun composition found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it.

Etymology

Common viper starts with common (meaning 'found in many places') and viper, an old word for a snake that 'gives live young'. So the name gives a simple picture: a small, often-seen venomous snake, which is why we call it the 'common viper' today.