Toxic

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈtÉ’k.sɪk/
• US IPA: /ˈtÉ‘k.sɪk/
• Rhymes: -É’ksɪk

Origin

French toxique, from Late Latin toxicus ("poisoned"), from Latin toxicum ("poison"), from Ancient Greek τοξικόν φάρμακον ("poison for use on arrows"), from τοξικός ("pertaining to arrows or archery"), from τόξον ("bow").

Full definition of toxic

Adjective

1. (toxicology) Having a chemical nature that is harmful to health or lethal if consumed or otherwise entering into the body in sufficient quantities.

Synonyms

• poisonous
• venomous

Related terms

• cytotoxic
• toxicity
• toxic shock
• toxin