Definition of toxic

The word "toxic" derives from the Greek word "toxikon," which means "poisonous." During the Middle Ages, the term "toxic" referred to any substance that could cause harm or death through poisoning, particularly plant and animal toxins. The use of the term "toxic" in modern medicine dates back to the 19th century, when scientists began using the term to describe substances that were poisonous to living organisms, including humans. In the 20th century, the term "toxicology" was coined to describe the study of poisonous substances and their effects on living organisms. Today, the definition of toxicity has expanded to include not just poisonous substances, but any substance that can cause injury, damage, or disease to a living organism's normal physiological processes. This broadened definition has led to the overuse and misuse of the term "toxic" to describe a wide range of substances and situations, from perceived health risks associated with certain foods and beverages to environmental hazards and products. Despite this, the scientific concept of toxicity remains an essential element of medicine, public health, and environmental science for understanding and addressing the effects of substances and substances on living organisms.