of or relating to or caused by a toxin or poison
"suffering from exposure to toxic substances"
Having a chemical nature that is harmful to health or lethal if consumed or otherwise entering into the body in sufficient quantities.
"The toxic mushrooms found in the forest could be fatal if eaten, as they contain chemicals that are lethal when ingested."
In plain English: Toxic means something that is extremely harmful and can poison you if you touch, eat, or breathe it.
"The toxic smoke made everyone cough and leave the room immediately."
Usage: Use this adjective primarily when describing substances, environments, or behaviors that cause serious physical harm or death upon contact or ingestion. Avoid applying it metaphorically unless you are specifically referencing its literal chemical danger rather than general negativity.
The word "toxic" comes from the Ancient Greek term toxikon, which originally described poison used specifically for coating arrows. It entered English via French and Latin after retaining its core meaning of something poisonous or harmful.