toxic waste

[tok-sik weyst]

noun

1. any hazardous waste that, when consumed or otherwise absorbed into the body, is harmful or fatal to people or other living organisms.

   Toxic waste containing lead and mercury had leached into their drinking water, and the number of poisoned residents was staggering.

toxic waste

1. A general term used to refer to chemical compounds produced by industry which, if they are ingested or breathed in by humans, can cause physiological damage. The disposal of toxic wastes is a major environmental problem in the United States.

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxic waste¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In 2020 she broke the story that barrels of DDT’s toxic waste, last sent to the ocean floor decades ago by its biggest manufacturer, Montrose, were closer to Southern California’s shores than previously thought.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The fund’s 1,534 different holdings mean even catastrophic losses in one sector get diluted across the portfolio like toxic waste in a swimming pool.

Read more on MarketWatch

But mining the metals requires heavy chemical use that results in toxic waste and has caused several environmental disasters.

Read more on Barron's

Last month, local reports said some 20 people had been hospitalised with respiratory problems as the plant is accused of spewing toxic waste into the sea and air.

Read more on Barron's

Wildlife, water and toxic waste worries have been raised by people living near one of Europe's largest illegal landfill sites as officials look at clean-up options.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• poison 
• pollution