Definitions and Examples of toxic, poisonous
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Containing or being poisonous material, especially when capable of causing death or serious debilitation.
Example
The fumes from the factory were so toxic that they caused respiratory problems for the nearby residents.
Capable of causing injury or death to a living organism through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.
Example
The berries on that plant are poisonous and should not be eaten.
Key Differences: toxic vs poisonous
- 1Toxic refers to substances that contain poisonous material and can cause death or serious debilitation.
- 2Poisonous describes substances that can cause injury or death to a living organism through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.
Effective Usage of toxic, poisonous
- 1Science: Use these antonyms when discussing chemical properties and their effects on living organisms.
- 2Health: Use these antonyms when discussing the dangers of certain substances and how to avoid them.
- 3Environment: Use these antonyms when discussing pollution and its impact on ecosystems.
Remember this!
The antonyms toxic and poisonous describe substances that can harm or kill living organisms, while atoxic means that something is not toxic or poisonous. Use these words in scientific discussions, health-related conversations, and environmental contexts to convey the presence or absence of harmful substances.