Toxicity: meaning, definitions and examples

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toxicity

[tɒkˈsɪsɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

environment

The quality or state of being toxic or poisonous.

Synonyms

harmfulness, poisonousness, venomousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toxicity	Used to describe the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. Commonly discussed in medical, environmental, and chemical contexts. Scientists are studying the toxicity of the new drug to ensure it's safe for humans. The toxicity of the waste materials poses a significant threat to marine life.
poisonousness	Describes a substance that can cause illness or death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. Often used in the context of plants, animals, and chemicals. The poisonousness of some plants can be lethal if not properly handled. Experts are warning about the poisonousness of certain household chemicals.
harmfulness	Refers to the potential to cause damage or injury, and can be used in a broader range of contexts, including physical, emotional, and psychological harm. The harmfulness of smoking is well-documented and widely recognized. Parents should be aware of the harmfulness of excessive screen time on young children.
venomousness	Specifically refers to animals that inject venom into other organisms through bites or stings. Commonly used in zoological contexts. The venomousness of the rattlesnake makes it one of the most feared animals in North America. Herpetologists carefully study the venomousness of various snake species.

Examples of usage

The toxicity of the chemicals in the water posed a serious threat to aquatic life.
The toxicity of the air pollution in the city was reaching dangerous levels.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

behavior

The degree to which a substance or behavior is harmful or damaging.

Synonyms

badness, harmfulness, negativity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toxicity	Used to describe something that is very harmful or poisonous, often in a physical, chemical, or emotional sense. The toxicity of the chemicals in the factory poses a serious health risk to the workers. The toxicity of their relationship was evident to everyone around them.
harmfulness	Refers specifically to the potential or actual damage caused by something, emphasizing the negative impact it has on health, well-being, or safety. The harmfulness of smoking is well-documented and widely acknowledged. Parents were concerned about the harmfulness of the violent games their children were playing.
badness	Employed in more general or broad situations to indicate poor quality, morally wrong behavior, or undesirable conditions. It can be used for both minor and serious situations, often more casual and less specific. The badness of the movie made us wish we had never bought the tickets. He recognized the badness of his actions and apologized sincerely.
negativity	Used to describe a general attitude or mood that is pessimistic or critical. Indicates an overall outlook rather than a specific harmful effect. Her constant negativity drained the energy of everyone in the office. He decided to cut out negativity from his life and focus on positive changes.

Examples of usage

The toxicity of his remarks towards others was evident in the way they reacted to him.
The toxicity of the relationship was affecting both parties mentally and emotionally.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'toxicum', meaning 'poison', showing its historical connection to harmful substances.
In the late 19th century, 'toxicity' started being used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and medicine.
The suffix '-ity' indicates a quality, making toxicity refer to the quality of being toxic.

Science

Toxicity can vary by species; a substance that is harmful to one organism may not affect another at all.
In environmental science, toxicity assessments help determine the safety of chemicals and pollutants for humans and ecosystems.
Bioaccumulation occurs when toxic substances build up in living organisms, affecting entire food webs.

Psychology

Toxicity isn't limited to substances; it can also describe harmful relationships or environments that negatively impact mental health.
Terms like 'toxic positivity' arise to describe situations where expressing negative emotions is discouraged, which may be damaging.
The concept of 'toxicity' can extend to workplace environments, emphasizing situations that lead to stress and burnout.

Literature

The theme of toxicity in relationships is prevalent in literature, illustrating how harmful dynamics can unfold in personal narratives.
Authors often use 'toxic' characters to symbolize hidden dangers that outwardly appear charming, highlighting moral complexities.
Dystopian literature frequently addresses environmental toxicity, warning of future consequences from neglecting nature.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows often portray toxic characters, becoming cultural references for unhealthy friendships or romances.
The phrase 'toxic fandom' describes groups whose intense dedication to a franchise can lead to harmful behavior towards others.
Songs like Britney Spears' 'Toxic' use the term to convey a powerful allure that is ultimately damaging.

Translations

Translations of the word "toxicity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 toxicidade

🇮🇳 विषाक्तता

🇩🇪 Toxizität

🇮🇩 toksisitas

🇺🇦 токсичність

🇵🇱 toksyczność

🇯🇵 毒性

🇫🇷 toxicité

🇪🇸 toxicidad

🇹🇷 toksisite

🇰🇷 독성

🇸🇦 سمية

🇨🇿 toxicita

🇸🇰 toxicita

🇨🇳 毒性

🇸🇮 toksičnost

🇮🇸 eitrun

🇰🇿 улылық

🇬🇪 ტოქსიკურობა

🇦🇿 toksiklik

🇲🇽 toxicidad

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,128 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6125 proximity
6126 percentages
6127 cottage
6128 toxicity
6129 ensuring
6130 implication
6131 bull
...