Definition

The study of how harmful substances affect living organisms and ecosystems.

Example

Ecotoxicology helps us understand the impact of pollutants on wildlife and their habitats.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of ecotoxicology?

Yeah, it's about how pollutants affect ecosystems, right?

Exactly! It's fascinating how it combines ecology and toxicology.

I agree! Understanding that could really help us protect the environment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ecotoxicology → It is formed from "eco-" (from Greek "oikos", meaning house or environment) and "toxicology" (from Greek "toxikon", meaning poison, and "logia", meaning study). The word refers to the study of the effects of toxic substances on the environment and living organisms within it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'eco-' as relating to the 'environment' and 'toxicology' as the 'study of poisons'. This helps you remember that ecotoxicology is about studying how poisons affect the environment.

Visually Confused Words