adjective
- (of an animal) having a gland or glands for secreting venom; able to inflict a poisoned bite, sting, or wound: a venomous snake.
- full of or containing venom; poisonous: a venomous wound; a venomous potion.
- spiteful; malignant: a venomous attack; a venomous tongue.
late 13c., from Anglo-French venimeus, Old French venimeux, from venim (see venom). Earliest recorded use is figurative; literal sense by early 14c. Related: Venomously; venomousness.