venenum

poison; drug or medical potion

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A close view of a viper with its mouth open, exposing two long injection fangs with tiny amber venom droplets at their tips.

adjective

venomous

VEN-uh-mus/ˈvenəməs/

Producing poison delivered through a bite, sting, or spine.

Etymology

venomLatinpoison; drug or medical potion

+ousOld Frenchfull of; possessing

The pieces convey “full of poison,” but this animal sense is more specific than merely containing it. A venomous animal injects its toxin through a bite or sting, unlike one that poisons when eaten.

Full entry

Related word entries

venomous