Etymology Map
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Venom

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means poison secreted by animals

Where does the word "venom" come from? It comes from Latin venenum, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
venenum
Latin · ancient
"poison, love potion"
possibly from 'Venus', originally a love potion
2
Stage 2 of 3
venim
Old French · medieval
"poison"
snake venom
3
Stage 3 of 3
venom
English · 1200s
"poison"
'venomous' followed
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Read the full story

Venom’s story begins in Latin: venenum meant “poison, love potion.” Possibly from 'Venus', originally a love potion. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as venim. Snake venom. It reached English by 1200s as venom. 'venomous' followed. Today, venom means poison secreted by animals.