VENOMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Venomous is an adjective that describes something or someone capable of producing venom, a poisonous substance, typically injected through a bite or sting. It can also refer to the action or behavior of causing harm or being malicious.
When used to describe animals, venomous indicates that an organism possesses venom glands, specialized organs that produce and deliver venom to incapacitate or kill their prey or protect themselves. Examples of venomous creatures include snakes such as cobras, vipers, and rattlesnakes, as well as spiders like black widows and scorpions. The venom they inject through their bites or stings can be potentially lethal or cause severe reactions in humans and other animals.
In a metaphorical sense, venomous can describe a person's words or actions that are filled with malice, spite, or intense hostility. It suggests a deliberate intention to harm, hurt, or slander others. For instance, a venomous remark may be characterized by its bitterness, cruelty, or toxic nature. This term is often associated with individuals who possess ill will, envy, or resentment towards others, and display their negative emotions through harmful verbal attacks or destructive behavior.
Overall, venomous primarily refers to the lethal or harmful nature of venom when attributed to animals, and secondarily alludes to the malicious or spiteful behavior in humans.
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Poisonous; armed with poison, as certain animals; noxious; full of malignity; spiteful.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of VENOMOUS
The word "venomous" comes from the Latin word "venenosus", which means "poisonous" or "full of venom". In Latin, "venenum" refers to poison or venom, and this term has been used to describe toxic substances since ancient times. Over the centuries, "venenosus" found its way into Old French as "venimus", and eventually evolved into Middle English as "venymous". Through further transformations, it eventually became the modern English word "venomous", retaining its original meaning of something containing or capable of producing venom.
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