toxic
TOX-ik
/ˈtɑːksɪk/
Poisonous; capable of causing illness or death when absorbed, inhaled, or ingested.
Pertains to chemical or biological poisons; also widely used metaphorically for harmful behavior or environments.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'toxikon pharmakon' (poison used on arrows), where 'toxon' meant bow. The word traveled through Latin 'toxicum' into English, evolving from arrow poison to any deadly chemical substance.
Word relationships
- poisonous: Poisonous is general; toxic is preferred in medical, scientific, and regulatory hazmat contexts.
- venomous: Venomous applies to creatures that inject toxin via fangs or stingers, not ingested chemicals.
- nontoxic: Safe and non-poisonous to living organisms.
- harmless: Incapable of causing injury.
Commonly confused with
- venomous: If you eat or inhale it and get sick, it's toxic; if it bites or stings you and you get sick, it's venomous.
Word family
- toxicity (noun): The degree to which a substance is poisonous.
- toxin (noun): A poison produced by biological or industrial processes.
Collocations
- toxic waste
- toxic chemical
- toxic fumes
- toxic exposure
Example sentences
- "The abandoned factory contained dozens of drums filled with toxic industrial sludge." Hazardous waste disposal
- "Inhaling toxic fumes from burning synthetic rubber can cause permanent neurological damage." Public health advisory
Memory hook
TOXIC materials require a TOXIN mask so you don't get sick. Poisonous arrow secret.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'venomous' (which requires an animal bite or sting to inject poison).
Fun facts
- The word 'toxic' was Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year in 2018 due to its massive shift into describing social environments.
Related words
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