Definition of "venomous" in English

adjective

1. Of an animal (specifically a snake) or parts of its body: producing venom (“a toxin intended for defensive or offensive use”) which is usually injected into an enemy or prey by biting or stinging; hence, of a bite or sting: injecting venom.

   • Do venomous spiders have glands?

2. Of or pertaining to venom.

3. (archaic) Consisting of, or containing or full of, venom or some other poison; hence, harmful to health due to this.

   • The villain tricked him into drinking the venomous concoction.

4. Posing a threat; dangerous, threatening.

5. Hateful; malignant; spiteful.

   • His attitude toward me is utterly venomous.

6. Of a weapon such as an arrow or dart: dosed with venom or poison; envenomed, poisoned.

7. Harmful, hurtful, injurious; specifically, morally or spiritually harmful; evil, noxious, pernicious.