Main Entry:

¹ven·om

Pronunciation:

\ˈve-nəm\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English venim, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *venimen, alteration of Latin venenum magic charm, drug, poison; akin to Latin venus love, charm — more at win

Date:

13th century

1: poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging ; broadly : material that is poisonous2: ill will, malevolence