poisonous

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Containing sufficient poison to be dangerous to touch or ingest.

   While highly poisonous to dogs, this substance is completely harmless if ingested by humans.

2. 2
   adj

   Of an animal such as a snake or spider, or parts of its body: producing a toxin intended for defensive or offensive use which is usually injected into an enemy or prey by biting or stinging; hence, of a bite or sting: injecting poison.

   Poisonous snakes should only be handled by experienced professionals.

3. 3
   adj

   Negative, harmful.

   He didn't want to end up like his grandfather, bitter and intractable, consumed in his hatred like an addict on haze — a poisonous attitude that would possess him all his remaining years.

4. 4
   adj

   marked by deep ill will

5. 5
   adj

   not safe to eat

6. 6
   adj

   having the qualities or effects of a poison

Etymology

From Middle English poisounous, poysonouse. By surface analysis, poison + -ous.