Definition of "venom" in English

noun

1. An animal toxin intended for defensive or offensive use; a biological poison delivered by bite, sting, etc., to protect an animal or to kill its prey.

   • The serious artist […] [is] obsessed by his material; it’s like a venom working in his blood and the art is the antidote.
   • Venom evolved from saliva and it's used primarily for catching and digesting prey.

2. (figuratively) Feeling or speech marked by spite or malice; vitriol.

verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To infect with venom; to envenom; to poison.

   • 1566, Thomas Blundeville (translator and editor), The Fower Chiefyst Offices Belongyng to Horsemanshippe, London, Chapter 36, […] washe all the filth away with warme water, and annoynte the place with Hony and Fytch flower myngled together. But beware you touche none of the kirnelles with your bare finger, for feare of venoming the place, which is very apt for a Fistula to breede in.

adjective

1. (obsolete) Poisonous, poisoned; (figuratively) pernicious.