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