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venom
[ ven-uhm ]
noun
- the poisonous fluid that some animals, as certain snakes and spiders, secrete and introduce into the bodies of their victims by biting, stinging, etc.
- something resembling or suggesting poison in its effect; spite; malice:
the venom of jealousy.
Synonyms: bitterness, hate, spleen, gall, acerbity, acrimony, malignity
- Archaic. poison in general.
verb (used with object)
- Archaic. to make venomous; envenom.
venom
/ ˈvɛnəm /
noun
- a poisonous fluid secreted by such animals as certain snakes and scorpions and usually transmitted by a bite or sting
- malice; spite
venom
/ vĕn′əm /
- 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.
Derived Forms
- ˈvenomless, adjective
- ˈvenomously, adverb
- ˈvenomous, adjective
- ˈvenomousness, noun
Other Words From
- venom·less adjective
- outvenom verb (used with object)
- un·venomed adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of venom1
Word History and Origins
Origin of venom1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
The longer it takes to stop a snake’s venom from moving through the victim’s body, the more damage occurs.
The tissue maxim is especially true for bites from vipers and other snakes with venoms that target the blood and soft tissues and thus tend to cause more physical damage.
Destruction begins from the moment of a bite, and the cocktail of proteins and other molecules in the venom will continue to ravage until the immune system produces enough antibodies to remove or destroy those toxins.
He’s a retired entomologist in Cincinnati, Ohio, with an interest in hornets and venoms.
The team also performed preliminary biochemical tests on the fluid in the newfound glands, and discovered that it contains phospholipase A2 enzymes, a large group of fat-chopping proteins that are frequent components in animal venoms.
Now he earns millions spouting venom on Fox News about immigrants, women, gays and lesbians, and anyone else.
Olivia: At home, I found myself staring at a jar of snake venom skin product.
But who wants to come home to snake venom and a bowl of steamed kale?
It talks about her agoraphobia and her diabetes, as well as her recent court testimony, all without judgment or venom.
"Most of the venom that is spewed at us comes from our own people, which I think says a lot," says Paddy.
Edna looked down at Mademoiselle Reisz and wondered how she could have listened to her venom so long.
This the colored people must bear in mind, and keep clear of the hideous thing, lest its venom may be test upon them.
It is strange that the matter with regard to the venom of toads has not been yet settled.
Slander had lost its sting, and malice its venom, at least for the present hour.
To his surprise, the agent's tone did not reveal a great amount of venom.
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