Venomous
/ˈvɛn.ə.məs/noun
Containing venom or capable of injecting venom.
Did you know?Latin venenum originally meant a potent substance or potion and could refer to poison, medicine, or a magical love charm depending on context.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
venēnum
“A potent substance, especially poison; also a drug, potion, or love charm”
Late Latin
Latin
venēnōsus
“Poisonous or full of venenum”
12th Century
Old French
venimos
“Poisonous”
14th Century
Middle English
venymous
“Containing or producing poison”
15th Century
English
venomous
“Poisonous, especially of an animal or creature”
Modern English
English
venomous
“Able to inject venom, typically through a bite or sting”