toxic waste

American  

[tok-sik wayst] / ˈtɒk sɪk ˈweɪst /

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.

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toxic waste Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of toxic waste

First recorded in 1920–25

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

toxic waste

Environment agency officials are also accused by anti-corruption prosecutors of being involved in trafficking toxic waste from Elbasan.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

Michael Sheen says an offer to meet Wales' first minister over claims people have been poisoned by decades of exposure to toxic waste dumps "was not taken up".

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

Members had fought off plans for toxic waste incinerators and power plants.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

Producing rare earths requires heavy chemicals and can produce toxic waste, with cases including illegal operations polluting Mekong tributaries in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia with arsenic and cadmium.

From Barron's ● Apr. 22, 2026

My head is killing me, my throat is killing me, my stomach bubbles with toxic waste.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

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Related Words

• poison
• pollution

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