toxicant

noun

tox·​i·​cant ˈtäk-si-kənt 

: a toxic agent

especially : pesticide

Examples of toxicant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, using a simulation, the team found that the warmth and weight of the sleeping child could increase the off-gassing of the toxicants. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025

Testing water around Luke Air Force Base started in 2019 after the area’s water supply showed high levels of toxicants. — Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024

The ash from open burning can also contaminate soil and groundwater with persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and other toxicants, creating more chances for people to be exposed to them through food and water. — Ellen M. Considine, The Conversation, 2 June 2026

Chemical components of pesticides were found in four of the products — inhaling certain pesticides through marijuana smoking poses a risk of harmful toxicants entering the lungs and bloodstream. — Ben Markus - Colorado Public Radio, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin toxicant-, toxicans, present participle of toxicare to poison, from Latin toxicum

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for toxicant

• intoxicant

Medical Definition

toxicant

noun

tox·​i·​cant ˈtäk-si-kənt 

: a toxic agent

especially : one for insect control that kills rather than repels