Main Entry:

ve·nal

Pronunciation:

\ˈvē-n^əl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin venalis, from venum (accusative) sale; akin to Greek ōneisthai to buy, Sanskrit vasna price

Date:

1652

1: capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration : purchasable ; especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : mercenary <a venal legislator>2: originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery <a venal arrangement with the police>

— ve·nal·i·ty \vi-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun

— ve·nal·ly \ˈvē-n^əl-ē\ adverb