toxic
TOK-sik
/ˈtɒksɪk/
Poisonous, hazardous, or capable of causing serious injury or death to biological organisms.
Describes materials with active biological harm, distinct from merely dirty or irritating substances.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Greek 'toxikon pharmakon' (poison for smearing arrow tips), from 'toxon' (bow). Late Latin borrowed it as 'toxicus', which entered English in the 17th century to describe anything deadly or poisonous.
Word relationships
- poisonous: 'Poisonous' is the direct everyday synonym; 'toxic' is preferred in medical, scientific, and technical usage.
- noxious: 'Noxious' emphasizes physically harmful or unwholesome smells and gases.
- non-toxic: Safe for living organisms; free of poisons.
- harmless: Incapable of causing injury or ill effects.
Commonly confused with
- intoxicated: Intoxicated means drunk or under the influence; toxic means poisonous in substance.
Word family
- toxin (noun): A poisonous substance produced by biological or chemical process.
- toxicity (noun): The degree to which a substance is toxic.
Collocations
- toxic fumes
- toxic waste
- toxic chemicals
- highly toxic
Idioms & expressions
- toxic environment
Example sentences
- "Industrial plants near residential areas were ordered to halt operations to reduce toxic air contaminants." Environmental Journalism
- "Chemical workers wore protective masks to avoid inhaling toxic fumes inside the unventilated plant." Occupational Safety
Memory hook
TOXIC = think of a skull and crossbones label on chemical TOXIN bottles. Toxic = Poisonous and harmful to life.
When not to use
Do not use for clean, natural, or completely harmless organic matter.
Fun facts
- Carbon monoxide is called a 'silent killer' because it is a completely odorless, colorless, and highly toxic atmospheric gas.
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