venomous, poisonous
While some sources describe venomous and poisonous as synonyms, others note that venomous describes a source of poison (e.g., a venomous plant or animal), while poisonous characterizes the dangerous or deadly effects of poison.
- A venomous snake secretes poison, while a poisonous snake causes illness or death to those who eat it.
- Though barracuda aren’t venomous, their flesh can be poisonous to humans.
- Yolande thought poison ivy should be called “venomous ivy.”
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