venomous
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes an animal, like a snake or spider, that can inject poison into you when it bites or stings.
capable of injecting venom by means of a bite or sting. Distinguished from 'poisonous', which refers to toxins that are harmful when touched or swallowed.
Simple“The hikers were warned to watch out for venomous snakes in the tall grass.”
In context“While many spiders appear intimidating, only a small percentage of species are truly venomous to humans.”
PitfallHe was sick because he ate a venomous mushroom. He was sick because he ate a poisonous mushroom.Use 'venomous' for animals that bite or sting you; use 'poisonous' for things that are harmful if you eat or touch them.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
containing or full of poison.
consisting of or containing venom or similar toxins. Often used in historical or literary contexts to describe substances rather than animals.
Simple“The old stories spoke of a venomous mist that rose from the swamp.”
In context“The alchemist warned that the venomous vapours from the boiling lead could be fatal if inhaled.”
“However, none of the FETUA proteins on its own was able to completely prevent death from a venomous bite.”
From Middle English venymous, from Old French venimos, composed of venim (“venom”) + -os (adjective-forming suffix). Synchronically analysable as venom + -ous. Compare Modern French venimeux. Piecewise doublet of venenous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.