'atoxic' originates from Greek, specifically the prefix 'a-' (meaning 'not') combined with the word 'toxic' from Greek 'toxikon', where 'toxikon' meant 'poison'.

'toxic' comes from Greek 'toxikon' (via Latin 'toxicum'), and 'atoxic' is a modern English formation combining the negative prefix 'a-' with 'toxic'.

Initially it meant 'not poisonous' (literally 'not poison'), and this basic meaning has been retained in modern usage as 'non-toxic' or 'not producing toxic effects'.