Poisons

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Poisons

Poisons (pronunciation: /ˈpɔɪzən/) are substances that can cause harm or death to organisms, typically through chemical reactions or other activity on the molecular scale, when an organism absorbs a sufficient quantity.[1]

Etymology

The word "poison" was first used in 1225–75, and comes from the Old French poison /pwa.zɔ̃/, itself from the Latin potionem (nominative potio) "a drinking, a drink," also "poisonous drink" (Cicero), from potare "to drink".[2]

Types of Poisons

Poisons can be classified into several types, including:

  • Neurotoxins: These affect the nervous system and brain.
  • Cytotoxins: These cause damage at the cellular level.
  • Hemotoxins: These affect the blood and circulatory system.
  • Myotoxins: These cause damage to muscle tissue.

Related Terms

  • Toxicology: The study of the effects of poisons.
  • Antidote: A substance that can counteract a form of poisoning.
  • Toxin: A poison produced by some form of life.
  • Venom: A type of poison that animals produce for the purpose of causing harm to others.

See Also

References

External links

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