venomous

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English venymous, from Old French venimos, composed of venim (“venom”) +‎ -os (adjective-forming suffix). Synchronically analysable as venom +‎ -ous. Compare Modern French venimeux. Piecewise doublet of venenous. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation, General American) IPA(key): /ˈvɛnəməs/ Hyphenation: ven‧om‧ous === Adjective === venomous (comparative more venomous, superlative most venomous) Of an animal (specifically a snake) or parts of its body: producing venom (“a toxin intended for defensive or offensive use”) which is usually injected into an enemy or prey by biting or stinging; hence, of a bite or sting: injecting venom. Synonym: (archaic) venenous Antonyms: non-venomous, venomless, unvenomous Of or pertaining to venom. (archaic) Consisting of, or containing or full of, venom or some other poison; hence, harmful to health due to this. (figurative) Posing a threat; dangerous, threatening. Hateful; malignant; spiteful. Synonyms: embittered, envenomed, poisonous, rancorous, toxic, virulent (obsolete) Of a weapon such as an arrow or dart: dosed with venom or poison; envenomed, poisoned. (figurative) Harmful, hurtful, injurious; specifically, morally or spiritually harmful; evil, noxious, pernicious. ==== Usage notes ==== Where sense 1 is concerned some speakers, especially in technical contexts, make a distinction between poisonous (releasing toxins when eaten), and venomous (releasing toxins (known as venom in this case) by biting or stinging a target). ==== Alternative forms ==== venemous (obsolete) ==== Derived terms ==== nonvenomous, non-venomous unvenomous venomously venomousness venomous-tongued ==== Related terms ==== envenom envenomation envenomed (adjective) venom ==== Translations ==== === References === === Further reading === venom on Wikipedia.Wikipedia “venomous”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC. “venomous, adj.”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present. “venomous”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.