adjective

venomous

VEN-uh-mus/ˈvenəməs/

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

The venomous viper exposes fangs tipped with tiny droplets.

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

Etymology

venomLatinpoison; drug or medical potion

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.

In context

Nat Geo Animals78:32

Puff adders are among the most venomous snakes in the world ...one bite from these fangs could kill a lion …

Freakiest Animals Across the Globe | MEGA EPISODE | Nat Geo Animals

More examples

A venomous scorpion hides beneath the rock.
Lionfish are venomous, with spines that deliver painful stings.
The guide warns us to stay away from venomous snakes.

Forms

venomous

venom noun — Poison delivered through bites, stings, or spines.

Similar words

poisonous: Often describes harm from eating or touching, rather than injection.
toxic: Means capable of causing poisoning, without specifying how.