venom

American  

[ven-uhm] / ˈvɛn əm /

noun

1. the poisonous fluid that some animals, as certain snakes and spiders, secrete and introduce into the bodies of their victims by biting, stinging, etc.

2. something resembling or suggesting poison in its effect; spite; malice.

   the venom of jealousy.

   Synonyms:

   hate, spleen, gall, acerbity, bitterness, acrimony, malignity

3. Archaic. poison in general.

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verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to make venomous; envenom.

venom British  

/ ˈvɛnəm /

noun

1. a poisonous fluid secreted by such animals as certain snakes and scorpions and usually transmitted by a bite or sting

2. malice; spite

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venom Scientific  

/ vĕn′əm /

1. Any of various poisonous substances secreted by certain snakes, spiders, scorpions, and insects and transmitted to a victim by a bite or sting. Venoms are highly concentrated fluids that typically consist of dozens or hundreds of powerful enzymes, peptides, and smaller organic compounds. These compounds target and disable specific chemicals in the victim, damaging cellular and organ system function. Snake venoms, for example, contain substances that block platelet aggregation (causing bleeding) and that prevent the release of acetylcholine by nerve endings (causing muscle paralysis). Many substances contained in venoms are under investigation for use as pharmaceuticals.

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Related Words

See poison.

Other Word Forms

• outvenom verb (used with object)
• unvenomed adjective
• venomless adjective
• venomous adjective
• venomously adverb
• venomousness noun

Etymology

Origin of venom

First recorded in 1175–1225; variant of Middle English venim, from Anglo-French; Old French venim, venin, from (unattested) Vulgar Latin venīmen, for Latin venēnum “magical herb or potion, poison,” from (unattested) wenes-nom, equivalent to (unattested) wenes- desire ( venerate, Venus ) + (unattested) -nom noun suffix

Example Sentences

“The general recommendation is to avoid the use of tourniquets, to avoid trying to extract the venom, to communicate with anyone nearby and know that responders are on the way,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

One reviewer argues the film leans harder into "volume and venom", sacrificing narrative depth for chest-thumping spectacle.

From BBC

According to the UC Davis Health Center, you should not apply ice or a tourniquet, or attempt to suck out the venom or use a device to cut the affected area.

From Los Angeles Times

"When the head of the snake is not cut off, the venom spreads — beyond borders, beyond regions, beyond generations."

From BBC

“You’re supposed to be tutoring me,” he said with venom in his voice.

From Literature

Related Words

• bitterness
• hatred
• rancor
• toxin