Etymology
Borrowed from French toxique, from Late Latin toxicus (“poisoned”), from Latin toxicum (“poison”), from Ancient Greek τοξικόν (toxikón) [φάρμακον (phármakon)] ("poison for use on arrows"), from τοξικός (toxikós, “pertaining to arrows or archery”), from τόξον (tóxon, “bow”).
Adjective
toxic (comparative more toxic, superlative most toxic)
- (toxicology) Having a chemical nature that is harmful to health or lethal if consumed or otherwise entering into the body in sufficient quantities.
- Tobacco smoke contains many toxic substances.
- (medicine) Appearing grossly unwell; characterized by serious, potentially life-threatening compromise in the respiratory, circulatory, or other body systems.
- The child appeared toxic on arrival at the hospital.
- (figurative) Severely negative or harmful.
- a toxic environment that promoted bullying
- (figurative, of a person) Hateful or strongly antipathetic.
- It is not good to be around toxic people.
Derived terms
- cytotoxic
- toxicity
- toxic shock
Related terms
- toxin
- intoxicate
Credits
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