Definition of poison

The word "poison" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "poison" and derived from the Latin word "pōticum", meaning "fruit of the earth". This Latin term referred to the Greek concept of "tóxikon", meaning "arrow-smeared with poison", which described the idea of plant-based substances being used as arrows. In the 14th century, the Latin "pōticum" was adopted into Old French as "poison", initially referring to plant-based substances or foods that were harmful or deadly. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any substance that could cause harm or death. Today, the word "poison" is used to describe any substance that can cause harm, death, or injury, whether it be a plant, animal, or synthetic substance.