neurotoxic

adjective

neu·​ro·​tox·​ic ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈtäk-sik How to pronounce neurotoxic (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-
: toxic to the nerves or nervous tissue
neurotoxicity
ˌnu̇r-ō-ˌtäk-ˈsi-sə-tē How to pronounce neurotoxic (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-
noun

Examples of neurotoxic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Species such as seabirds, sea lions and dolphins have been impacted by elevated levels of the neurotoxic domoic acid produced by the algae blooms in the region. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 July 2025 All of these flammable, colorless liquids are considered neurotoxic, meaning being exposed to them in large doses can cause headaches, fatigue, and even more severe symptoms like death. — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026 Warmer months may heighten dolphins' vulnerability to neurotoxic algal compounds. — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025 Dark chocolate and similar cocoa products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two neurotoxic metals that are linked to cancer, chronic disease, or reproductive and developmental issues, especially in children, a new study found. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 31 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for neurotoxic

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + toxic entry 1, probably after French névrotoxique

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurotoxic was in 1902

Rhymes for neurotoxic

See All Rhymes for neurotoxic

Browse Nearby Words

neurotoid
neurotoxic
neurotoxin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neurotoxic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotoxic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

neurotoxic

adjective
neu·​ro·​tox·​ic ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈtäk-sik How to pronounce neurotoxic (audio)
: toxic to the nerves or nervous tissue
neurotoxicity
-ˌtäk-ˈsis-ət-ē How to pronounce neurotoxic (audio)
noun
plural neurotoxicities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All