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Toxicology: meaning, definitions and examples

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toxicology

 

[tɒk.sɪˈkɒl.ə.dʒi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

scientific study

Toxicology is the branch of science that deals with the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. It focuses on the detection, identification, and understanding of toxins, including their properties, biological effects, and potential for harm. Toxicologists evaluate exposure to harmful substances and assess risks to health and the environment. This field is essential for developing safety regulations and guidelines for the management of chemical substances in various industries.

Synonyms

chemical safety, pharmacology, toxicology science.

Examples of usage

  • The toxicology report revealed the cause of death.
  • She specializes in environmental toxicology and its effects on wildlife.
  • Toxicology studies help in understanding drug overdose cases.
  • The lab conducts toxicology tests for various industrial chemicals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'toxikon,' which means poison, and 'logia,' meaning study.
  • It was first used in the 19th century as scientists began to better understand chemicals and their effects.

History

  • The field gained prominence with the work of scientists like Paracelsus in the 16th century, who famously said, 'the dose makes the poison.'
  • Landmark cases such as the poisoning of Emperor Nero's stepbrother highlighted the importance of understanding toxic substances.

Pop Culture

  • Toxicology often features in crime dramas where forensic experts analyze poisonings to solve mysteries.
  • The character Walter White from 'Breaking Bad' is a chemistry teacher who applies toxicology principles in producing drugs, showing its darker implications.

Science

  • Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals, including exposure through food, air, and water, to improve public health.
  • They also assess the risks of pharmaceuticals, ensuring medications do not harm patients.

Education

  • Many universities offer degrees in toxicology, combining elements of biology, chemistry, and environmental science.
  • Courses often include lab work to learn about testing substances and their effects on organisms.

Translations

Translations of the word "toxicology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 toxicologia

🇮🇳 विषविज्ञान

🇩🇪 Toxikologie

🇮🇩 toksikologi

🇺🇦 токсикологія

🇵🇱 toksykologia

🇯🇵 毒物学

🇫🇷 toxicologie

🇪🇸 toxicología

🇹🇷 toksioloji

🇰🇷 독성학

🇸🇦 علم السموم

🇨🇿 toxikologie

🇸🇰 toxikológia

🇨🇳 毒理学

🇸🇮 toksikologija

🇮🇸 eiturefnafræði

🇰🇿 токсикология

🇬🇪 ტოქსიკოლოგია

🇦🇿 toksiologiya

🇲🇽 toxicología

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,433, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.