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

He called on governments to integrate snakebite treatments into core health strategies and ensure that antivenom was accessible.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

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

In Nigeria what is known as a "polyvalent antivenom" is usually used to treat snakebites, which means it can be used for bites from a variety of snakes.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Without antivenom you might lose a limb at worst.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman