toxicology

American  

[tok-si-kol-uh-jee] / ˌtɒk sɪˈkɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the science dealing with the effects, antidotes, detection, etc., of poisons.

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toxicology British  

/ ˌtɒksɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌtɒksɪˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with poisons, their nature, effects, and antidotes

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toxicology Scientific  

/ tŏk′sĭ-kŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of poisons, of their effects and detection, and of the treatment of poisoning.

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Other Word Forms

• toxicologic adjective
• toxicological adjective
• toxicologically adverb
• toxicologist noun

Etymology

Origin of toxicology

First recorded in 1790–1800; toxico- + -logy

Explanation

Toxicology is the field that studies poisons, especially how poisons work and how to treat them. If you’re writing a true crime story, you should study toxicology to know what happens when the villain poisons the victim’s tea. Mwah ha ha. Have you ever seen a label that said "toxic"? That means that substance will harm you. Toxicology — which is a branch of pharmacology — has to do with toxic substances (poisons). It comes from the Greek word for “arrow poison.” Not all poisons come at the end of an arrow, though. If a toxicology report is done on a dead person, it will reveal if they had any dangerous substances in them, such as illegal drugs or drain cleaner.

Example Sentences

While Calocane was in custody following the attacks, the inquiry heard he did not consent to toxicology samples being taken.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Epibatidine is a natural neurotoxin isolated from the skin of the Ecuadorian poison dart frog, according to toxicology expert Jill Johnson.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Autopsies were performed Thursday and toxicology results are expected in a few weeks, said Tony Cipolla, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

To better understand what happens after exposure, Bayen partnered with experts in reproductive toxicology.

From Science Daily • Jan. 15, 2026

Once again, no thorough toxicology exam was performed.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann