non-toxic

This cleaning product is labeled as non-toxic.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not poisonous or harmful: "non-toxic" describes a substance or material that does not contain toxins or cause harm to living organisms, especially when ingested, touched, or inhaled.
   • Safe for use: In consumer products, "non-toxic" indicates that the item is free from dangerous chemicals and is considered safe for humans, pets, or the environment.

Usage Examples

• (The solution does not contain harmful substances.)
• (The paint is not poisonous.)
• (Harmless substitutes that do not poison pests.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be non-toxic": to be free from toxic properties.

  • The new plastic is completely non-toxic, even when heated. (The plastic does not release harmful chemicals under high temperatures.)

• "non-toxic environment": a setting free from harmful substances or behaviours (can also be used metaphorically).

  • The company promotes a non-toxic work environment, discouraging gossip and hostility. (A workplace without negativity or harmful interactions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Toxic (adj): poisonous; harmful.

  • The waste was found to be toxic to marine life. (The waste contained poisons dangerous to sea creatures.)

• Toxicity (n): the degree to which a substance is poisonous.

  • The toxicity of the chemical was tested in the laboratory. (The level of harmfulness was measured.)

• Non-toxicity (n): the quality of being non-toxic.

  • The non-toxicity of the ink makes it suitable for food packaging. (The ink's lack of harmful properties.)

Synonyms

• Harmless: not causing harm.
• Safe: free from risk of injury or poison.
• Innocuous: not harmful or offensive.

Related Idioms

• Non-toxic as a baby's toy: extremely safe and harmless.
  • This new adhesive is non-toxic as a baby's toy, so you can use it for craft projects with children. (The adhesive is as safe as a toy designed for infants.)

Phrasal Verbs (Not applicable — "non-toxic" is an adjective and does not form phrasal verbs.)

Note on Usage

• "Non-toxic" is commonly used in product labels, safety guidelines, and environmental discussions. It is often contrasted with "toxic" to highlight safety. When used metaphorically (e.g., "non-toxic relationship"), it means free from harmful emotional or psychological elements.