toxic
1tox·ic
adjective \ˈtäk-sik\: containing poisonous substances
Full Definition of TOXIC
1
:Â containing or being poisonous material especially when capable of causing death or serious debilitation <toxic waste> <a toxic radioactive gas> <an insecticide highly toxic to birds>
2
:Â exhibiting symptoms of infection or toxicosis <the patient became toxic two days later>
3
:Â extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful <toxic sarcasm>
4
:Â relating to or being an asset that has lost so much value that it cannot be sold on the market
— tox·ic·i·ty \täk-ˈsi-sÉ™-tÄ“\ noun
See Examples of TOXIC
- The fumes from that chemical are highly toxic.
- Tests will be run to determine if the landfill is toxic.
Origin of TOXIC
Late Latin toxicus, from Latin toxicum poison, from Greek toxikon arrow poison, from neuter of toxikos of a bow, from toxon bow, arrow
First Known Use: 1664
Related to TOXIC
- Antonyms
- nonpoisonous, nontoxic, nonvenomous
Other Biology Terms
2toxic
nounDefinition of TOXIC
: a toxic substance —usually used in plural
Examples of TOXIC
- <tested for toxics in the water supply>
First Known Use of TOXIC
1890
Learn More About TOXIC
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: toxic-
Previous Word in the Dictionary: toxemic jaundice
All Words Near: toxic
Previous Word in the Dictionary: toxemic jaundice
All Words Near: toxic
Ask The Editor Videos
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up toxic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
