| VIP | <gastroenterology, protein> Peptide of 28 amino acids, originally isolated from porcine intestine, but later found in the central nervous system where it acts as a neuropeptide and is released by specific interneurons. May also affect behaviour of cells of the immune system. Acronym: VIP (05 Jan 1998) |
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| viper | 1. <zoology> Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous makes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidae. "There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand." (Acts xxviii. 3) Among the best-known species are the European adder (Pelias berus), the European asp (Vipera aspis), the African horned viper (V. Cerastes), and the Indian viper (Daboia Russellii). 2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person. "Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secrecy." (Milton) Horned viper. <zoology> A small, slender, phosphorescent deep-sea fish (Chauliodus Sloanii). It has long ventral and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp teeth. <botany> Viper's bugloss, a perennial composite herb (Scorzonera Hispanica) with narrow, entire leaves, and solitary heads of yellow flowers. The long, white, carrot-shaped roots are used for food in Spain and some other countries. Synonym: viper grass. Origin: F. Vipere, L. Vipera, probably contr. Fr. Vivipera; vivus alive + parere to bring forth, because it was believed to be the only serpent that brings forth living young. Cf. Quick, Parent, Viviparous, Wivern, Weever. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| viper venoms | Venoms from snakes of the viperid family. They tend to be less toxic than elapid or hydrophid venoms and act mainly on the vascular system, interfering with coagulation and capillary membrane integrity and are highly cytotoxic. They contain large amounts of several enzymes, other factors, and some toxins. (12 Dec 1998) |
| viperidae | A family of snakes comprising three subfamilies: azemiopinae (the mountain viper, the sole member of this subfamily), viperinae (true vipers), and crotalinae (pit vipers). They are widespread throughout the world, being found in the united states, central and south america, europe, asia and africa. Their venoms act on the blood (haemotoxic) as compared to the venom of elapids which act on the nervous system (neurotoxic). (goin, goin, and zug, introduction to herpetology, 3d ed, pp333-36) (12 Dec 1998) |
| viperina | <zoology> See Viperoidea. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| viperine | Of or pertaining to a viper or vipers; resembling a viper. Viperine snake. <zoology> Any venomous snake of the family Viperidae. A harmless snake resembling a viper in form or colour, especially. Tropidonotus viperinus, a small European species which resembles the viper in colour. Origin: L. Viperinus: cf. F. Viperin. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| viperoides | <zoology> A division of serpents which includes the true vipers of the Old World and the rattlesnakes and moccasin snakes of America. Synonym: Viperina. Origin: NL. See Viper, and -oid. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| vipoma | An endocrine tumour, usually arising in the pancreas, that produces vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, which is the mediator of a syndrome of watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia, and hypochlorhydria, leading to renal failure and death. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Vipond's sign | <clinical sign> A generalised adenopathy occurring during the period of incubation of various of the exanthemas of childhood, affording an early diagnostic sign in a case of known exposure. (05 Mar 2000) |
| viprynium embonate | 6-(dimethylamino)-2-[2-(2,5-dimethyl-1-phenylpyrrol-3-yl)-vinyl]-1-methylquinolinium 4,4'-methylenebis[3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate] (2:1);a highly effective drug used in the eradication of human pinworms. Synonym: viprynium embonate. (05 Mar 2000) |