Definition of venom

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< venography

venomous >

ven·om    (vnm) KEY  

NOUN:

1. A poisonous secretion of an animal, such as a snake, spider, or scorpion, usually transmitted by a bite or sting.
2. A poison.
3. Malice; spite: "They dislike making their just criticism of a useful and earnest man an excuse for a general discharge of venom from small-minded opponents" (W.E.B. DuBois).

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English venim, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *venmen, from Latin vennum, poison; see wen- ¹ in Indo-European roots

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