antivenom

American  

[an-tee-ven-uhm, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈvɛn əm, ˌæn taɪ- /

Also antivenin

noun

1. an antitoxin present in the blood of an animal following repeated injections of venom.

2. the antitoxic serum obtained from such blood.

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Etymology

Origin of antivenom

First recorded in 1890–95; earlier antiven(ene) ( anti- + venene ( def. ) ), from Latin venēnum “potion, poison” ( see venom) + -in ²

Example Sentences

"We were told we could buy some from the neighbouring state of Plateau. We called a brother there to get it, but before the antivenom was transported to us, we lost her," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

But it is hard not to panic when one arrives at a hospital to find there is no antivenom, which happened to Ifunanya, meaning she had to go to another one.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

This version of events has since been disputed by the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, which has denied the antivenom was unavailable and said claims its response was inadequate were unfounded.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

In Nigeria what is known as a "polyvalent antivenom" is usually used to treat snakebites, which means it can be used for bites from a variety of snakes.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

“Your father...your father...wouldn’t treat my mother when she got bit by a snake. He had some of the antivenom that could have helped her.”

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper