¹venom

noun ven·om \ˈve-nəm\

: poison that is produced by an animal (such as a snake) and used to kill or injure another animal usually through biting or stinging

: a very strong feeling of anger or hatred

Full 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; broadly : material that is poisonous

: ill will, malevolence

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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

Rhymes with VENOM

denim, plenum

²venom

verb

Definition of VENOM

transitive verb

: envenom

First Known Use of VENOM

14th century

VENOM Defined for Kids

venom

noun ven·om \ˈve-nəm\

Definition of VENOM for Kids

: poison produced by an animal (as a snake or scorpion) and passed to a victim usually by biting or stinging

Medical Dictionary

venom

noun ven·om \ˈven-əm\

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