The literal meaning of the term toxicology is “ the study of poisons.” The root word toxic entered the
English language around 1655 from the Late Latin word toxicus (which meant poisonous), itself
derived from toxikón, an ancient Greek term for poisons into which arrows were dipped. The early
history of toxicology focused on the understanding and uses of different poisons, and even today most
people tend to think of poisons as a deadly potion that when ingested causes almost immediate harm
or death. As toxicology has evolved into a modern science, however, it has expanded to encompass all
forms of adverse health effects that substances might produce, not just acutely harmful or lethal effects.