venom

¹ven·om

noun \ˈve-nəm\

Definition of VENOM

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 poisonous

2

: ill will, malevolence

Examples of VENOM

1. She spoke of him with venom in her voice.
2. He spewed venom against his rival.

Origin of VENOM

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to VENOM

Synonyms

bane, toxic, toxin, poison

Related Words

cancer, contagion, disease, virus; fungicide, germicide, herbicide, insecticide, microbicide, pesticide, toxicant

Near Antonyms

antidote, antivenin, antivenom, mithridate; cure; cure-all, elixir, panacea

Rhymes with VENOM

denim, plenum

²venom

transitive verb

Definition of VENOM

: envenom

First Known Use of VENOM

14th century

ven·om

noun \ˈven-əm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of VENOM

: poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging

venom

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Poison secreted by an animal, produced by specialized glands often associated with spines, teeth, or stings. It may be primarily for paralyzing or killing prey or may be purely defensive. Some venoms also function as digestive fluids. Their effects can range from localized skin inflammation to almost immediate death; they include nervous-system excitation (cramps, vomiting, convulsions) or depression (paralysis, respiratory or cardiac depression or arrest), hemorrhage, red-blood-cell breakdown, circulatory collapse, and allergic reactions (including hives and inflammation). Many major groups of animals contain venomous species: snakes (cobras, mambas, vipers, pit vipers); fish (stingrays, spiny sharks, certain catfish, puffers); lizards (Gila monsters, beaded lizards); scorpions; spiders (black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders); social insects (bees, wasps, some ants); and marine invertebrates (sea anemones, fire corals, jellyfish, sea urchins). See also antidote.