What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toxicant
Example
The factory was emitting toxicants into the air, causing health problems for nearby residents. [toxicant: noun]
Example
The toxicant levels in the water were found to be above the safe limit. [toxicant: adjective]
toxin
Example
The venom of the snake contained a potent toxin that could paralyze its prey. [toxin: noun]
Example
The food was contaminated with a toxin that caused severe food poisoning. [toxin: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toxin is more commonly used than toxicant in everyday language, especially in the context of poisonous substances produced by living organisms. Toxicant is a less common term and is typically used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between toxicant and toxin?
Both toxicant and toxin are formal terms used in scientific or technical contexts. However, toxin may be more familiar to the general public due to its frequent use in news reports or popular media about poisonous substances and their effects.
