Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Poisonous to nerves or nerve cells: Describes a substance or agent that causes damage, dysfunction, or destruction to neurons (nerve cells) or nervous tissue.

Usage

• The adjective "neurotoxic" is used to characterize chemicals, venoms, drugs, or environmental factors that have a harmful effect on the nervous system.
• It typically precedes a noun (e.g., neurotoxic effect, neurotoxic substance) or follows a linking verb like "is" or "was."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Lead is a neurotoxic metal that can impair cognitive development in children.
  • The venom of some snakes contains neurotoxic components that paralyze the nervous system.
  • Researchers are studying the potential neurotoxic effects of prolonged exposure to this pesticide.

Advanced Usage

• "Neurotoxic cascade": Refers to a series of interconnected harmful events in neurons triggered by a toxic agent.
  • The study focused on the neurotoxic cascade initiated by the compound.
• "Neurotoxic potential": Describes the capacity of a substance to cause nerve damage.
  • The chemical's neurotoxic potential requires further evaluation.

Variants and Related Words

• Neurotoxicity (noun): The quality, state, or degree of being neurotoxic; the poisonous effect on nerve tissue.
  • Chronic exposure can lead to significant neurotoxicity.
• Neurotoxin (noun): A specific substance that is neurotoxic.
  • Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin found in pufferfish.

Synonyms

• Nervous system poison
• Neurontoxic (less common variant)

Related Phrases

• Neurotoxic agent: A general term for any material with neurotoxic properties.
  • The factory was cited for releasing neurotoxic agents into the water.
• Neurotoxic damage: Harm caused to the nervous system.
  • The patient suffered permanent neurotoxic damage.

Adjective

1. poisonous to nerves or nerve cells