adj.
Pronunciation: ' v ē -n ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin venalis, from venum (acc.) sale; akin to Greek ō neisthai to buy, Sanskrit vasna price
Date: 1652
1 : capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration : PURCHASABLE especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : MERCENARY <a venal legislator>
2 : originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery <a venal arrangement with the police>
– ve · nal · i · ty \ vi- ' na-l ə -t ē \ noun
– ve · nal · ly \ ' v ē -n ə l- ē \ adverb