adjective
toxic
TAHK-sik/ˈtɑːksɪk/
Causing harm through poisonous effects.
The toxic spill poisons the nearby plant and makes it wilt.
Etymology
The bow connection comes from poison used on arrows: the Greek expression meant “poison for use on arrows.” That specialized association gave rise to the general meaning “poisonous.”
In context
The roots are the most toxic part of the deadly nightshade, but a single leaf has enough poisonous alkaloids to kill an adult.
More examples
- Some plants are toxic to cats but safe for people.
- Workers wear protective gloves when handling toxic chemicals.
- Even small amounts of this pesticide can be toxic to fish.
Forms
toxic
toxicity noun — The degree to which something is poisonous.