toxic

The definition of toxic is something poisonous, or something very harmful or bad.

(adjective)

  1. A poison that will cause you to become very ill is an example of something that would be described as toxic.
  2. A relationship that is very bad for your mental health is an example of something that would be described as toxic.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See toxic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of, affected by, or caused by a toxin, or poison
  2. acting as a poison; poisonous

Origin: ML toxicus < L toxicum, a poison < Gr toxicon, a poison, orig., poison in which arrows were dipped < toxicos, of or for a bow < toxon, a bow

noun

a toxic substance; also, something contaminated by a toxic substance: usually used in pl.

Related Forms:

See toxic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of, relating to, or caused by a toxin or other poison: a toxic condition; toxic hepatitis.
  2. Capable of causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; poisonous: food preservatives that are toxic in concentrated amounts; a dump for toxic industrial wastes. See Synonyms at poisonous.
noun
A toxic chemical or other substance.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin toxicus

Origin: , from Latin toxicum, poison

Origin: , from Greek toxikon, poison for arrows, poison

Origin: , from neuter of toxikos, of a bow

Origin: , from toxon, bow

Origin: , from Old Persian *taxša-, an arrow

.

Related Forms:

  • toxˈi·cal·ly adverb

Learn more about toxic

link/cite print suggestion box