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Venomous
Definitions
- 1 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.
"Do venomous spiders have glands?"
- 2 Of or pertaining to venom.
"[A]s the teeth [of the salamander] are thus incapable of offending, the people of the countries vvhere they are found have recourſe to a venomous ſlaver, vvhich, they ſuppoſe, iſſues from the animal's mouth; they alſo tell us of a venom iſſuing from the clavvs: […]"
- 3 Consisting of, or containing or full of, venom or some other poison; hence, harmful to health due to this. archaic
"The villain tricked him into drinking the venomous concoction."
- 4 Posing a threat; dangerous, threatening. figuratively
"Arsenal pressed forward again after half-time but other than a venomous [Theo] Walcott shot that [Tim] Howard repelled with a fine one-handed save, the hosts offered little cutting edge."
- 5 Hateful; malignant; spiteful. figuratively
"His attitude toward me is utterly venomous."
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- 6 Of a weapon such as an arrow or dart: dosed with venom or poison; envenomed, poisoned. obsolete
- 7 Harmful, hurtful, injurious; specifically, morally or spiritually harmful; evil, noxious, pernicious. figuratively, obsolete
"[…] I vvill at large proue, that ther is nothinge in loue more venemous then méeting, vvhich filleth the minde with griefe, and the body vvith diſeaſes: […]"
- 1 marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful wordnet
- 2 extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom wordnet
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.
See also for "venomous"
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Unscramble this word: venomous