Etymology

venomous

ven·om·ous
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Today it means: 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. Full definition →

Middle English venymous ← Old French venimos
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The story

  1. Old French · derived fromvenimos
  2. Middle English · inherited fromvenymous
  3. English todayvenomous

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 from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.