antivenom

American  

[an-tee-ven-uhm, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈvɛn əm, ˌæn taɪ- /

Also antivenin

noun

1. an antitoxin present in the blood of an animal following repeated injections of venom.

2. the antitoxic serum obtained from such blood.

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Etymology

Origin of antivenom

First recorded in 1890–95; earlier antiven(ene) ( anti- + venene ( def. ) ), from Latin venēnum “potion, poison” ( see venom) + -in ²

Example Sentences

"We were told we could buy some from the neighbouring state of Plateau. We called a brother there to get it, but before the antivenom was transported to us, we lost her," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Ifunanya's close friend, Sam Ezugwu, had also rushed to the hospital when he heard the news and told the BBC that some antivenom had been given to her, but more was needed.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

He was rushed to hospital, which luckily had enough antivenom to treat him.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

The antivenom is produced by injecting venom from these snakes into horses, whose antibodies are then used as treatment for humans, Martin explains.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

“Doc Hawkins had some antivenom at his office. He’s giving Mama her first dose right now.”

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper