neurotoxic
|neu-ro-tox-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌnʊroʊˈtɑksɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌnjʊərəʊˈtɒksɪk/
harmful to nerves
Etymology
'neurotoxic' is formed from the combining form 'neuro-' from Greek 'neûron' meaning 'nerve' and 'toxic' from Greek 'toxikon' (via Latin and French) meaning 'poison'.
'neuro-' entered English as a combining form from New Latin/Greek in scientific usage; 'toxic' comes from Greek 'toxikon' (via Latin 'toxicus' and Old French) meaning 'poison', and the compound 'neurotoxic' arose in modern scientific English in the 20th century.
Initially, 'toxic' referred generally to 'poison'; combined as 'neurotoxic' the term came to specify 'poisonous to nerve tissue' and is now used for agents or effects that damage the nervous system.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(noun form: 'neurotoxicity') The quality or condition of being toxic to the nervous system; damage produced by neurotoxins.
Exposure to neurotoxic substances can increase the risk of neurological disorders.
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Adjective 1
causing damage to the nervous system; poisonous or harmful to nerve tissue.
The chemical was found to be neurotoxic, causing long-term impairment in lab animals.
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Last updated: 2025/10/05 00:48