Violet - Virile

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Coloq. Corn violet . See under . -- Coloq. Dame's violet . (Bot.) See . -- Coloq. Dogtooth violet . (Bot.) See under . -- Coloq. Water violet (Bot.), an aquatic European herb (Hottonia palustris) with pale purplish flowers and pinnatifid leaves.
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Violet (?), a. [Cf. F. violet. See , n.] Dark blue, inclining to red; bluish purple; having a color produced by red and blue combined.
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Coloq. Violet shell (Zoöl.), any species of Ianthina; -- called also violet snail. See . -- Coloq. Violet wood , a name given to several kinds of hard purplish or reddish woods, as king wood, myall wood, and the wood of the Andira violacea, a tree of Guiana.
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Violet-ear, n. Any tropical humming bird of the genus Petasophora, having violet or purplish ear tufts.
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Violet-tip (?), n. (Zoöl.) A very handsome American butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis). Its wings are mottled with various shades of red and brown and have violet tips.
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Violin (?), n. [It. violino, dim. of viola. See .] (Mus.) A small instrument with four strings, played with a bow; a fiddle.
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☞ The violin is distinguished for the brilliancy and gayety, as well as the power and variety, of its tones, and in the orchestra it is the leading and most important instrument.
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Violine (?), n. (Chem.) (a) A pale yellow amorphous substance of alkaloidal nature and emetic properties, said to have been extracted from the root and foliage of the violet (Viola). (b) Mauve aniline. See under .
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Violinist (?), n. [Cf. F. violiniste, violoniste, It. violonista.] A player on the violin.
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Violist (?), n. [Cf. F. violiste.] A player on the viol.
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Violoncellist (?), n. [Cf. F. violoncelliste, It. violoncellista.] A player on the violoncello.
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Violoncello (?; 277), n. [It. violoncello, dim. of violone a bass viol. See .] (Mus.) A stringed instrument of music; a bass viol of four strings, or a bass violin with long, large strings, giving sounds an octave lower than the viola, or tenor or alto violin.
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Violone (?), n. [It. violone, augment. of viola a viol. See .] (Mus.) The largest instrument of the bass-viol kind, having strings tuned an octave below those of the violoncello; the contrabasso; -- called also double bass. [Written also violono.]
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Violous (?), a. Violent. [Obs.] J. Fletcher.
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Violuric (?), a. [Violet + barbituric.] (Chem.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, a complex nitroso derivative of barbituric acid. It is obtained as a white or yellow crystalline substance, and forms characteristic yellow, blue, and violet salts.
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VIOXX (vīŏks), prop. n. [Trade name, used by Merck & Co.] (Chem. & Med.) A trade name for . [Trade name]
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viper (vīpẽr), n. [F. vipère, 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. , a., , , , .]
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1. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous snakes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidæ.
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There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. Acts xxviii. 3.
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☞ Among the best-known species are the European adder (Pelias berus), the European asp (Vipera aspis), the African horned viper (Vipera cerastes), and the Indian viper (Daboia Russellii).
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2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.
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Who committed
To such a viper his most sacred trust
Of secrecy. Milton.
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3. Loosely, any venomous or presumed venomous snake.
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Coloq. Horned viper . (Zoöl.) See . -- Coloq. Red viper (Zoöl.), the copperhead. -- Coloq. Viper fish (Zoöl.), a small, slender, phosphorescent deep-sea fish (Chauliodus Sloanii). It has long ventral and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp teeth. -- Coloq. Viper's bugloss (Bot.), a rough-leaved biennial herb (Echium vulgare) having showy purplish blue flowers. It is sometimes cultivated, but has become a pestilent weed in fields from New York to Virginia. Also called blue weed. -- Coloq. Viper's grass (Bot.), 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. Called also viper grass.
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Viperina (?), n. pl. (Zoöl.) See .
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Viperine (?; 277), a. [L. viperinus: cf. F. vipérin.] Of or pertaining to a viper or vipers; resembling a viper.
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Coloq. Viperine snake . (Zoöl.) (a) Any venomous snake of the family Viperidæ. (b) A harmless snake resembling a viper in form or color, esp. Tropidonotus viperinus, a small European species which resembles the viper in color.
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Viperish, a. Somewhat like a viper; viperous.
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Viperoid (?), a. [Viper + -oid.] (Zoöl.) Like or pertaining to the vipers.
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{ Viperoidea (?), Viperoides (?), } n. pl. [NL. See , and .] (Zoöl.) A division of serpents which includes the true vipers of the Old World and the rattlesnakes and moccasin snakes of America; -- called also Viperina.
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Viperous (?), a. Having the qualities of a viper; malignant; venomous; as, a viperous tongue. “This viperous slander.” Shak. -- Viperously, adv.
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Viraginian (?), a. Of or pertaining to a virago; having the qualities of a virago. Milton.
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Viraginity (?), n. The qualities or characteristics of a virago.
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Virago (?; 277), n.; pl. Viragoes (#). [L. virago, -intis, from vir a man. See .] 1. A woman of extraordinary stature, strength, and courage; a woman who has the robust body and masculine mind of a man; a female warrior.
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To arms! to arms! the fierce virago cries. Pope.
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2. Hence, a mannish woman; a bold, turbulent woman; a termagant; a vixen.
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Virago . . . serpent under femininity. Chaucer.
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Vire (?), n. [OF. vire, fr. virer to turn. Cf. , .] An arrow, having a rotary motion, formerly used with the crossbow. Cf. . Gower.
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Virelay (?), n. [F. virelai; virer to turn + lai a song, a lay.] An ancient French song, or short poem, wholly in two rhymes, and composed in short lines, with a refrain.
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Of such matter made he many lays,
Songs, complains, roundels, virelayes. Chaucer.
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To which a lady sung a virelay. Dryden.
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☞ “The virelay admitted only two rhymes, and, after employing one for some time, the poet was virer, or to turn, to the other.” Nares.
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Virent (?), a. [L. virens, p. pr. of virere to be green.] Green; not withered. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
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Vireo (?), n. [L., a species of bird.] (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of American singing birds belonging to Vireo and allied genera of the family Vireonidæ. In many of the species the back is greenish, or olive-colored. Called also greenlet.
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☞ In the Eastern United States the most common species are the white-eyed vireo (Vireo Noveboracensis), the red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), the blue-headed, or solitary, vireo (Vireo solitarius), the warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus), and the yellow-throated vireo (Vireo flavifrons). All these are noted for the sweetness of their songs.
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Virescence (?), (Bot.) The act or state of becoming green through the formation of chlorophyll.
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Virescent (?), a. [L. virescens, p. pr. of virescere to grow green, verb incho. fr. virere to be green.] Beginning to be green; slightly green; greenish.
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Vireton (?), n. [F. See .] An arrow or bolt for a crossbow having feathers or brass placed at an angle with the shaft to make it spin in flying.
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Virgalieu (?), n. [Cf. .] (Bot.) A valuable kind of pear, of an obovate shape and with melting flesh of delicious flavor; -- more properly called White Doyenné. [Written also virgaloo, vergalieu, vergaloo, etc.]
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Virgate (?), a. [L. virgatus made of twigs, fr. virga a twig, rod. See a rod.] (Bot.) Having the form of a straight rod; wand-shaped; straight and slender.
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Virgate, n. [LL. virgata, virgata terrae, so much land as virga terrae, a land measure, contains, fr. L. virga a twig, rod.] A yardland, or measure of land varying from fifteen to forty acres. [Obs.] T. Warton.
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Virgated (?), a. [L. virgatus striped. See , a.] Striped; streaked. [Obs.]
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Virge (?), n. A wand. See . [Obs.]
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Virger (?), n. See . [Obs.]
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Virgilian (?), a. [L. Virgilianus, better Vergilianus.] Of or pertaining to Virgil, the Roman poet; resembling the style of Virgil. [Spelt also Vergilian.]
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The rich Virgilian rustic measure
Of Lari Maxume. Tennyson.
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Virgin (?), n. [L. virgo, -inis: cf. OF. virgine, virgene, virge, vierge, F. vierge.] 1. A woman who has had no carnal knowledge of man; a maid.
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2. A person of the male sex who has not known sexual indulgence. [Archaic] Wyclif.
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These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. Rev. xiv. 4.
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He his flesh hath overcome;
He was a virgin, as he said. Gower.
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3. (Astron.) See .
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4. (Zoöl.) Any one of several species of gossamer-winged butterflies of the family Lycænidæ.
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5. (Zoöl.) A female insect producing eggs from which young are hatched, though there has been no fecundation by a male; a parthenogenetic insect.
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Coloq. The Virgin , or Coloq. The Blessed Virgin , the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. -- Coloq. Virgin's bower (Bot.), a name given to several climbing plants of the genus Clematis, as Clematis Vitalba of Europe, and Clematis Virginiana of North America.
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Virgin (?), a. 1. Being a virgin; chaste; of or pertaining to a virgin; becoming a virgin; maidenly; modest; indicating modesty; as, a virgin blush. “Virgin shame.” Cowley.
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Innocence and virgin modesty . . .
That would be wooed, and unsought be won. Milton.
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2. Pure; undefiled; unmixed; fresh; new; as, virgin soil; virgin gold. “Virgin Dutch.” G. W. Cable.
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The white cold virgin snow upon my heart. Shak.
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A few ounces of mutton, with a little virgin oil. Landor.
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3. Not yet pregnant; impregnant. Milton.
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Virgin, v. i. To act the virgin; to be or keep chaste; -- followed by it. See , 5. [Obs.] “My true lip hath virgined it e'er since [that kiss].” Shak.
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Virginal (?), a. [L. virginalis: cf. F. virginal.] Of or pertaining to a virgin; becoming a virgin; maidenly. “Chastity and honor virginal.” Spenser.
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Coloq. Virginal generation (Biol.), parthenogenesis. -- Coloq. Virginal membrane (Anat.), the hymen.
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Virginal, n. [Cf. F. virginale; -- probably so called from being used by young girls, or virgins.] (Mus.) An instrument somewhat resembling the spinet, but having a rectangular form, like the small piano. It had strings and keys, but only one wire to a note. The instrument was used in the sixteenth century, but is now wholly obsolete. It was sometimes called a pair of virginals.
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Virginal, v. i. To play with the fingers, as if on a virginal; to tap or pat. [Obs.] “Still virginaling upon his palm!” Shak.
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Virginhood (?), n. Virginity; maidenhood.
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Virginia (?), n. One of the States of the United States of America. -- a. Of or pertaining to the State of Virginia.
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Coloq. Virginia cowslip (Bot.), the American lungwort (Mertensia Virginica). -- Coloq. Virginia creeper (Bot.), a common ornamental North American woody vine (Ampelopsis quinquefolia), climbing extensively by means of tendrils; -- called also woodbine, and American ivy. [U. S.] -- Coloq. Virginia fence . See Worm fence, under . -- Coloq. Virginia nightingale (Zoöl.), the cardinal bird. See under . -- Coloq. Virginia quail (Zoöl.), the bobwhite. -- Coloq. Virginia reel , an old English contradance; -- so called in the United States. Bartlett. -- Coloq. Virginia stock . (Bot.) See .
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Virginity (?), n. [OE. virgintee, F. virginité, L. virginitas.] 1. The quality or state of being a virgin; undefiled purity or chastity; maidenhood.
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2. The unmarried life; celibacy. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Virgo (?), n. [L. virgo a virgin, the constellation Virgo in the zodiac. See .] (Astron.) (a) A sign of the zodiac which the sun enters about the 21st of August, marked thus [♍] in almanacs. (b) A constellation of the zodiac, now occupying chiefly the sign Libra, and containing the bright star Spica.
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Virgouleuse (?), n. [F. virgouleuse, from the village of Virgoulée, near Limoges.] (Bot.) An old French variety of pear, of little value.
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Virgularian (?), n. [From. L. virgula a small rod.] (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of long, slender Alcyonaria belonging to Virgularia and allied genera of the family Virgularidæ. These corals are allied to the sea-pens, but have a long rodlike rhachis inclosing a slender, round or square, calcareous axis. The polyps are arranged in transverse rows or clusters along each side of the rhachis.
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Virgulate (?), a. Shaped like a little twig or rod.
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Virgule (?), n. [F. virgule, fr. L. virgula, dim. of virga. See a rod.] A comma. [R.]
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In the MSS. of Chaucer, the line is always broken by a cæsura in the middle, which is pointed by a virgule. Hallam.
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Virial (?), n. [L. vis, viris, force.] (Physics) A certain function relating to a system of forces and their points of application, -- first used by Clausius in the investigation of problems in molecular physics.
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Virid (?), a. [L. viridis green. See .] Green. [Obs.]
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The virid marjoram
Her sparkling beauty did but see. Crompton.
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Viridescence (?), n. Quality or state of being viridescent.
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Viridescent (?), a. [L. viridescens, p. pr. of viridescere to grow green.] Slightly green; greenish.
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Viridine (?), n. [L. viridis green.] (Chem.) A greenish, oily, nitrogenous hydrocarbon, C12H19N7, obtained from coal tar, and probably consisting of a mixture of several metameric compounds which are higher derivatives of the base pyridine.
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Viridite (?), n. [L. viridis green.] (Min.) A greenish chloritic mineral common in certain igneous rocks, as diabase, as a result of alternation.
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Viridity (?), n. [L. viriditas, fr. viridis green: cf. F. viridité. See .] 1. Greenness; verdure; the color of grass and foliage.
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2. Freshness; soundness. [Obs.] Evelyn.
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Viridness (?), n. Viridity; greenness.
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Virile (?; 277), a. [L. virilis, fr. vir a man; akin to AS. wer: cf. F. viril. See , , and cf. , , .] Having the nature, properties, or qualities, of an adult man; characteristic of developed manhood; hence, masterful; forceful; specifically, capable of begetting; -- opposed to womanly, feminine, and puerile; as, virile age, virile power, virile organs.
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