Definition

Having harmful effects on nerve cells or nervous system tissues.

Example

Certain chemicals can be neurotoxic and may damage the brain.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new chemical they found in the lab?

Yeah, I heard it's neurotoxic and really dangerous.

It's scary how some substances can affect our nerves like that.

Absolutely, we need to be careful with what we use around us.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Neurotoxic → It is formed from "neuro-" (from Greek "neuron", meaning nerve) and "toxic" (from Greek "toxikon", meaning poison). The word "neurotoxic" refers to substances that are poisonous to the nervous system.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nerve' ('neuro-') being affected by 'poison' ('toxic') — that's why neurotoxic means something that is poisonous to the nervous system.

Visually Confused Words