Definition

Noun A material or agent that, when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism, causes harm, injury, illness, or death by its chemical action.

Usage

The term "poisonous substance" is used to describe any chemical or natural agent that is toxic to living organisms. It is a formal and general term often found in scientific, medical, legal, and safety contexts.

Examples

• The label on the container clearly identified it as a poisonous substance.
• Some mushrooms produce poisonous substances that can be fatal if ingested.
• The factory was fined for improperly disposing of industrial poisonous substances.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Regulatory Context: The term is used in laws and regulations concerning hazardous materials.
  • The transportation of that poisonous substance requires a special permit.
• Biological Context: It can refer to toxins produced by animals, plants, or microorganisms.
  • The snake's venom is a complex poisonous substance.

Variants and Related Words

• Poison (n.): A more common synonym. "Poisonous substance" is often used for clarity or formality where "poison" might be ambiguous.
• Toxin (n.): Specifically refers to a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms (e.g., bacterial toxin, snake venom).
• Venom (n.): A specific type of toxin secreted by an animal (e.g., snakes, spiders) and typically injected into prey or a victim.
• Toxicant (n.): A technical term, often for human-made or synthetic poisonous substances (e.g., pesticides, industrial chemicals).

Synonyms

• Toxin
• Poison
• Toxic agent
• Venom (when injected)

Antonyms

• Antidote
• Remedy
• Nutritive substance
• Non-toxic substance

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Toxic substance": A very common and nearly identical phrase used interchangeably in many contexts, especially environmental science.
• "Hazardous substance": A broader regulatory term that includes poisonous substances along with other dangers like flammability or corrosiveness.

Noun

1. any substance that causes injury or illness or death of a living organism