Definition

The condition in which something is harmful or poisonous to cells.

Example

The researchers studied the cytotoxicity of the new drug on cancer cells.

Conversation

I read an article about cytotoxicity in cancer treatments.

Oh really? What did it say about it?

It explained how some drugs can cause cytotoxicity to cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

That's fascinating! It's amazing how science can target specific cells.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cytotoxicity → It is formed from "cyto-" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell) and "toxic" (from Greek "toxikon", meaning poison) combined with the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or condition of). The word "cytotoxicity" refers to the condition of being toxic to cells.

Memory Tip

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

Visually Confused Words