antivenom
Americannoun
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an antitoxin present in the blood of an animal following repeated injections of venom.
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the antitoxic serum obtained from such blood.
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The crisis is compounded by a critical shortage of affordable antivenom, which needs to be stored in fridges - often impossible in areas with unreliable electricity.
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026
"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
This version of events has since been disputed by the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, which has denied the antivenom was unavailable and said claims its response was inadequate were unfounded.
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026
Jain says that some states are trying to improve access by stocking antivenom in primary and community health centres.
From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026
Without antivenom you might lose a limb at worst.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
