venom
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.
Archaic. poison in general.
Archaic. to make venomous; envenom.
Origin of venom
1synonym study For venom
Other words for venom
Other words from venom
- ven·om·less, adjective
- outvenom, verb (used with object)
- un·ven·omed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for venom
/ (ˈvɛnəm) /
a poisonous fluid secreted by such animals as certain snakes and scorpions and usually transmitted by a bite or sting
malice; spite
Origin of venom
1Derived forms of venom
- venomless, adjective
- venomous, adjective
- venomously, adverb
- venomousness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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