Poisonousness: meaning, definitions and examples

the quality of being poisonous

Poisonousness refers to the state or quality of being poisonous, which means capable of causing injury, illness, or death by chemical means. It is the characteristic that defines substances, plants, or animals as toxic or harmful to living organisms.

harmfulness, toxicity, venomousness.

Examples of usage

• The poisonousness of some mushrooms can be lethal if ingested.

• The snake's poisonousness is a defense mechanism against predators.

• The level of poisonousness in certain chemicals requires careful handling.

• The poisonousness of the plant was evident from the warning signs nearby.

• Scientists study the poisonousness of certain substances to understand their effects on the environment.