Poisonous vs. Venomous — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
Poisonous organisms release toxins when touched or consumed, while Venomous creatures inject venom via bites or stings.
Difference Between Poisonous and Venomous
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Key Differences
Poisonous organisms, such as certain plants or frogs, can be harmful when they are touched, eaten, or otherwise interacted with. On the other hand, Venomous creatures, like snakes or spiders, actively deliver their toxins through a mechanism like biting or stinging.
While both Poisonous and Venomous organisms contain toxins, the method of toxin delivery is what sets them apart. Poisonous organisms need to be ingested or touched, while Venomous organisms introduce their toxins directly into another organism.
It's worth noting that while many Venomous creatures are dangerous to humans, not all are. Similarly, not every Poisonous organism poses a threat to every species. The effects can vary based on the toxin and the organism's tolerance.
If you consume a Poisonous mushroom, you might experience harmful effects because you ingested the toxin. But if a snake bites you and it's Venomous, the snake has delivered venom into your system.
Often, organisms are Poisonous as a defense mechanism to deter predators from eating them. Venomous creatures, meanwhile, might use their venom both defensively and to immobilize or digest their prey.
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Comparison Chart
Means of Harm
Released when touched or consumed
Injected via mechanisms like bites or stings
Interaction
Passive (usually defensive)
Active
Examples
Certain plants, frogs
Snakes, spiders
Effect on Humans
Can be harmful if ingested or touched
Can be harmful if bitten or stung
Purpose in Nature
Defense against consumption
Defense and capturing prey
Compare with Definitions
Poisonous
Toxic to the touch or consumption.
Poison ivy is Poisonous and can cause rashes upon contact.
Venomous
Able to harm by biting or stinging.
Many desert creatures are Venomous.
Poisonous
Capable of causing illness or death through ingestion.
Certain mushrooms are Poisonous to humans.
Venomous
Possessing venom for defense or predation.
The Venomous snake used its toxin to immobilize its prey.
Poisonous
Detrimental if taken into the body.
She was warned that the plant was Poisonous.
Venomous
Having a gland producing venom.
The fangs of a Venomous snake are connected to its venom glands.
Poisonous
Harmful if consumed or touched.
The berries were beautiful but Poisonous.
Venomous
Capable of injecting venom.
The rattlesnake is a Venomous species.
Poisonous
Containing harmful substances.
Many household cleaners are Poisonous if ingested.
Venomous
Having a mechanism to deliver toxins.
The spider, though small, was Venomous.
Poisonous
Containing or being a poison
Poisonous fumes.
Venomous
Secreting and transmitting venom
A venomous snake.
Poisonous
Capable of harming or killing by poison
Poisonous tentacles.
Venomous
Full of or containing venom
A venomous substance.
Poisonous
Full of ill will; malicious or spiteful
A poisonous look.
Venomous
Malicious; spiteful
A venomous remark.
Poisonous
Harmful or destructive
A poisonous precedent.
Venomous
Harmful or destructive
"all the venomous ingredients of corruption" (Garry Wills).
Poisonous
Containing sufficient poison to be dangerous to touch or ingest.
While highly poisonous to dogs, this substance is completely harmless if ingested by humans.
Venomous
Full of venom.
The villain tricked him into drinking the venomous concoction.
Poisonous
(figuratively) Negative, harmful.
Venomous
Toxic; poisonous.
Poisonous
Having the qualities or effects of poison; venomous; baneful; corrupting; noxious.
Venomous
Noxious; evil.
Poisonous
Having the qualities or effects of a poison
Venomous
Malignant; spiteful; hateful.
His attitude toward me is utterly venomous.
Poisonous
Not safe to eat
Venomous
Producing venom (a toxin usually injected into an enemy or prey by biting or stinging) in glands or accumulating venom from food.
Do venomous spiders have glands?
Poisonous
Marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful;
A malevolent lie
Poisonous hate...in his eyes
Venomous criticism
Vicious gossip
Venomous
Full of venom; noxious to animal life; poisonous; as, the bite of a serpent may be venomous.
Venomous
Having a poison gland or glands for the secretion of venom, as certain serpents and insects.
Venomous
Noxious; mischievous; malignant; spiteful; as, a venomous progeny; a venomous writer.
Venomous
Extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom;
Venomous snakes
A virulent insect bite
Venomous
Harsh or corrosive in tone;
An acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose
A barrage of acid comments
Her acrid remarks make her many enemies
Bitter words
Blistering criticism
Caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics
A sulfurous denunciation
Venomous
Marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful;
A malevolent lie
Poisonous hate...in his eyes
Venomous criticism
Vicious gossip
Common Curiosities
Can a creature be both Poisonous and Venomous?
Yes, some organisms are both Poisonous (harmful when ingested) and Venomous (can inject venom).
If I touch a Venomous snake, will it harm me?
Merely touching a Venomous snake won't harm you unless it bites. However, handling Venomous creatures is dangerous and not recommended.
Is there an antidote for all venoms and poisons?
No, while some Venomous bites and Poisonous ingestions have antidotes, not all do.
Do all Venomous creatures use their venom for hunting?
While many Venomous creatures use venom to capture prey, others use it primarily for defense.
If a Venomous creature doesn't bite, is it still dangerous?
A Venomous creature is potentially dangerous due to its ability to inject venom, but if it doesn't bite, it doesn't deliver venom.
Are all spiders Venomous?
While many spiders are Venomous, not all are, and many have venom that's not harmful to humans.
Can Poisonous substances be found in everyday items?
Yes, many household items contain Poisonous chemicals that can be harmful if ingested.
Are all Poisonous plants harmful to humans?
No, not all Poisonous plants are harmful to humans, and the same plant might be Poisonous to one species and not to others.
Is venom always deadly?
No, while many Venomous creatures have harmful venom, not all venom is deadly to humans.
Why are some frogs Poisonous?
Many Poisonous frogs have toxins as a defense mechanism to deter predators from consuming them.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
