n. (pl. Venuses) 1 the planet second from the sun in the solar system. 2 poet. a a beautiful woman. b sexual love; amorous influences or desires. Venus (or Venus's) fly-trap a flesh-consuming plant, Dionaea muscipula, with leaves that close on insects etc. Venus's comb = shepherd's needle (see SHEPHERD). Venus's looking-glass any of various plants of the genus Legousia with small blue flowers. Venusian adj. & n.
[ OE f. L Venus Veneris, the goddess of love ]