toxicology
tok-si-KOL-uh-jee
/ˌtɒksɪˈkɒlədʒi/
The branch of science concerned with the nature, effects, and detection of poisons.
In a legal sense, it usually refers to testing blood or tissue for drugs and alcohol.
The story behind the word. The word 'toxic' begins with the Greek 'toxon', meaning 'bow'. Ancient warriors dipped their arrows in poison, so the poison became known as 'toxikon pharmakon'—the 'bow drug'.
Word family
- toxicologist (noun): An expert in the science of poisons.
- toxicological (adjective): Relating to toxicology.
Collocations
- toxicology report
- forensic toxicology
- toxicology screen
Example sentences
- "The toxicology report confirmed the presence of toxins in the victim's bloodstream." Post-mortem investigation.
- "Advances in toxicology have made it easier to identify pollutants in our soil." Environmental safety.
Memory hook
TOXIC-OLOGY: The study (-ology) of things that are toxic. The study of the bow-poison.
When not to use
Do not use when talking about viruses or bacteria (that's microbiology or virology).
Fun facts
- Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, famously said: 'The dose makes the poison'—meaning anything can be toxic if you take enough of it.
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