toxic

Etymology

Borrowed from French toxique, from Late Latin toxicus (“poisoned”), from Latin toxicum (“poison”), from Ancient Greek τοξικόν (toxikón) [φάρμακον (phármakon)] ("poison for use on arrows"), from τοξικός (toxikós, “pertaining to arrows or archery”), from τόξον (tóxon, “bow”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈtɒk.sɪk/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈtɑk.sɪk/
• Rhymes: -ɒksɪk

Adjective

toxic (comparative more toxic, superlative most toxic)

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

   a toxic environment that promoted bullying

3. (medicine) Appearing grossly unwell; characterised by serious, potentially life-threatening compromise in the respiratory, circulatory or other body systems.

   The child appeared toxic on arrival at the hospital.

Etymology

Borrowed from French toxique, Latin toxicus, from Ancient Greek τοξικόν (toxikón). See also toapsec.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtok.sik/, /tokˈsik/

Adjective

toxic m, n (feminine singular toxică, masculine plural toxici, feminine and neuter plural toxice)

1. toxic