Antivenom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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antivenom
[หantษชหviหnษm ]
Definition
medicine
Antivenom is a medicine used to treat venomous bites or stings. It works by neutralizing the venom in the body to prevent further harm.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| antivenom |
Primarily used in British English and common in general contexts; refers to the treatment used to counteract venom from bites or stings of venomous animals.
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| antivenin |
Primarily used in American English and refers to the same treatment as antivenom; often used in medical or scientific contexts.
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| antivenene |
An alternative British spelling of 'antivenom'; less commonly used and might be encountered in scientific literature or historical texts.
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Examples of usage
- Make sure to seek medical help immediately if you've been bitten by a snake and need antivenom.
- The hospital had to administer antivenom to the patient who was bitten by a black widow spider.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Antivenoms are made by collecting venom from snakes and then introducing it to healthy animals, usually horses or sheep, to create antibodies.
- Each type of antivenom is specific to a particular species of snake or other venomous creatures, highlighting the need for accurate identification in emergencies.
- Research into antivenoms is ongoing, with efforts to create broader-spectrum treatments that can handle multiple types of venom.
Medical Use
- Antivenoms are administered via injection, often in a hospital setting, due to the need for careful monitoring of allergic reactions.
- In some countries, access to antivenom can be limited, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality from snake bites.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, traditional healing practices were historically used to treat snake bites before modern antivenoms became common.
- The role of antivenom has been featured in films and literature, often highlighting the tension between ancient knowledge and modern medicine.
Pop Culture
- Antivenom has been referenced in video games, where characters encounter snakes and must use special items to counteract their bites.
- In Marvel Comics, there is a character named โAntivenom,โ who has powers associated with the anti-venom treatment used in medicine, blending fiction and health.
Origin of 'antivenom'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'anti-', meaning against, and 'venom', which refers to the poison found in snakes and some other creatures.
- The term has been used since the late 19th century when scientists began to discover ways to treat snake bites.
The concept of antivenom dates back to the late 19th century when researchers began to develop techniques for extracting venom from snakes and other venomous creatures. The first successful use of antivenom in a snakebite case was reported in the late 1800s, marking a significant advancement in medical treatment for envenomation. Since then, antivenom production has evolved, with different techniques and technologies being used to create effective treatments for a variety of venomous bites and stings.
See also: venomous, venomousness, venoms.