Neurotoxic
/ˌnjʊə.rəʊˈtɒk.sɪk/noun
Relating to or denoting substances that are harmful to nerve tissue.
Did you know?The term 'neurotoxic' combines 'neuro-', derived from Greek meaning 'nerve', and 'toxic', which comes from Latin for 'poison', hinting at the ancient understanding of poisons affecting the mind and body.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
νεῦρον (neuron)
“Nerve, sinew.”
Late Latin
Latin
toxicum
“Poison, toxin.”
16th Century
Latin
toxicus
“Poisonous, venomous.”
19th Century
English
neurotoxin
“A toxin that damages nerve tissue.”
20th Century
English
neurotoxic
“Describing substances harmful to the nervous system.”
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