Definition

Relating to substances that can harm or kill cells.

Example

Chemotherapy drugs are often cytotoxic, targeting cancer cells to stop their growth.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new drug that has cytotoxic properties?

Yeah, I read that it can really target cancer cells effectively.

It's amazing how cytotoxic treatments are evolving these days.

For sure! It gives a lot of hope for better outcomes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cytotoxic → It is formed from "cyto-" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell) and "toxic" (from Greek "toxikon", meaning poison). The word describes something that is poisonous to cells.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cell' ('cyto-') being affected by 'poison' ('toxic') — that's why cytotoxic means harmful to cells.

Visually Confused Words