neurotoxic

adjective

neu·​ro·​tox·​ic ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈtäk-sik 

ˌnyu̇r-

: toxic to the nerves or nervous tissue

neurotoxicity

ˌnu̇r-ō-ˌtäk-ˈsi-sə-tē 

ˌnyu̇r-

noun

Examples of neurotoxic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The neurotoxic venom can impair nerve signaling, leading to progressive weakness and potentially respiratory failure. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

These neurotoxic compounds are formed as byproducts when reactive oxygen species damage fats in the body. —Aaron Priester, The Conversation, 19 Feb. 2025

This serpent, native to East and Southeast Asia, feeds on poisonous toads that contain the neurotoxic compound bufadienolide. —Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025

Recent studies have found dark chocolate and similar cocoa products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two neurotoxic metals that are linked to cancer, chronic disease, or reproductive and developmental issues, especially in children. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + toxic entry 1, probably after French névrotoxique

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurotoxic

• antitoxic
• cytotoxic
• genotoxic
• nephrotoxic
• phytotoxic
• anoxic
• hypoxic
• nontoxic
• hepatotoxic
• toxic

Medical Definition

neurotoxic

adjective

neu·​ro·​tox·​ic ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈtäk-sik 

: toxic to the nerves or nervous tissue

neurotoxicity

-ˌtäk-ˈsis-ət-ē 

noun

plural neurotoxicities