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 poisonous
2 : ill will, malevolence