Venom is a poisonous substance that certain animals produce and inject into their prey or enemies, usually through a bite or sting. A rattlesnake has venom in its fangs, a scorpion carries venom in its tail, and some spiders inject venom when they bite. The venom helps these creatures hunt or defend themselves: it can paralyze prey, start digesting it from the inside, or cause enough pain to make a predator back off.

Scientists distinguish between venom and poison based on how it enters the body. Venom must be injected through a bite, sting, or puncture. Poison, by contrast, is absorbed through touch or swallowing. So a venomous snake injects its toxin, while a poisonous frog secretes toxins on its skin.

The word also describes bitter, hostile speech meant to hurt someone. When someone speaks with venom in their voice, they're trying to wound with words. A venomous remark is sharp and cruel, like verbal fangs. This figurative meaning captures the same idea: something designed to inject harm into another person, just with words instead of chemicals.

Interestingly, scientists have found that many venoms contain compounds useful for medicine. Studying snake venom has helped researchers develop treatments for blood clots and high blood pressure, turning something dangerous into something healing.