snake venom

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snake venom

A scientist carefully studies snake venom in a laboratory.

Definition

Noun: 1. A toxic secretion produced by specialized glands in some snakes: This is a complex biological fluid, typically injected through fangs during a bite. Its primary functions are to immobilize prey and aid in digestion. The composition varies greatly between species and can include a mixture of enzymes, toxins, and other proteins.

Usage Examples
  • The primary function of snake venom is to subdue prey.
  • Researchers are studying the properties of snake venom to develop new medicines.
  • Antivenom is created by injecting small amounts of snake venom into animals to stimulate an immune response.
Advanced Usage
  • "Cytotoxic venom": A type of snake venom that destroys cells, often causing severe tissue damage, swelling, and necrosis around the bite site. Common in vipers.
  • "Neurotoxic venom": A type of snake venom that attacks the nervous system, disrupting nerve signals and potentially causing paralysis, including respiratory failure. Common in cobras and coral snakes.
  • "Hemotoxic venom": A type that affects the blood and cardiovascular system, disrupting clotting and damaging blood vessels. Common in many pit vipers.
  • The study of snake venom is called "venomics".
Variants and Related Words
  • Venom (n): The broader category of toxic secretions from animals such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and some insects.
  • Toxin (n): A general term for any poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
  • Antivenom/Antivenin (n): A biological product used to treat snakebite envenomation, created from antibodies against specific venoms.
  • Venomous (adj): Describing an animal, like a snake, that produces and can deliver venom.
Synonyms
  • Poison (n): A more general term for any substance that can cause illness or death when introduced into a living organism. (Note: "Venom" is a specialized type of poison that is actively delivered, while "poison" is often passively ingested or absorbed.)
  • Toxicant (n): A formal term for a poisonous substance.
Related Phrases
  • "Venom extraction": The process of safely collecting venom from a snake, often for medical research or antivenom production.
  • "Venom yield": The amount of venom a snake can deliver in a single bite.
  • "Envenomation" (n): The process by which venom is injected into a victim; the condition resulting from a venomous bite or sting.
snake venom

A scientist carefully studies snake venom in a laboratory.

Noun
  1. venom secreted by certain snakes