venomous
venomous Lexical Profile
venomous Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Capable of secreting and injecting venom by means of a bite, sting, or specialized anatomical structure, as certain snakes, spiders, and scorpions.
"Hikers in the desert should remain alert for rattlesnakes and other venomous reptiles resting beneath shaded rocks."
Full of malice, spite, or bitter hostility; intended to wound or harm emotionally.
"The critic's venomous review of the novel shocked readers with its personal hostility toward the author."
Word Nuance & Usage
In scientific usage, 'venomous' is carefully distinguished from 'poisonous': venomous organisms actively inject toxins through a bite, sting, or fang, whereas poisonous organisms cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin contact.
• Rhymes for venomous
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Old French venimos, from Late Latin venemosus, derived from Latin venenum ('potion, charm, or poison').