ˈvenəməs adjective
Etymology: Middle English venimous, from Old French venimos, venimeux, from venim venom + -os, -eux -ous
1.
a. : full of venom : noxious to animal life by means of venom
a venomous sting
broadly : poisonous
b. : virulent , baneful
a venomous doctrine
2. : characterized by or having the nature of venom ; often : mischievous , malignant , spiteful
a venomous writer
venomous criticism
3. : having a gland for the secretion of venom : able to inflict a poisoned bite, sting, or wound
4. : tipped with or dipped in poison : poisoned, envenomed
venomous darts
• ven·om·ous·ly adverb
• ven·om·ous·ness noun -es