Venom
/ˈvɛn.əm/noun
A toxic substance produced by some animals to immobilize or kill their prey.
Did you know?In ancient alchemical traditions, venom was often seen as a potent transformative substance, representing both destruction and rebirth in the cycle of life.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wen-
“to make a change; to give pain”
Latin
Latin
venenum
“poison, drug, charm; a substance that bewitched or enchanted”
Old French
Old French
venim
“poison, venom, enchantment; a substance that causes harm or is lethal”
Middle English
Middle English
venim
“poison, venom; a harmful or deadly substance used in sorcery”
Modern English
English
venom
“toxic substance produced by animals, often associated with betrayal or malice in literature.”