Venom

/ˈven.əm/ noun

Definition

A poisonous liquid produced by snakes, spiders, and other animals to kill or paralyze prey or enemies.

Etymology

From Old French 'venim,' derived from Latin 'venenum,' possibly related to 'Venus' (the goddess of love) in the sense of something given with passion or ill will.

Kelly Says

Venom and poison are different—venom is injected (like snake bites), poison is ingested—and some animals like poison dart frogs use poison while others like snakes use venom, but we mix them up all the time.

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