■ noun
1》 a substance that causes death or harm when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism.
2》 something that has a destructive or corrupting influence.
3》 Chemistry a substance that reduces the activity of a catalyst.
4》 Physics an impurity that retards nuclear fission by absorbing neutrons.
■ verb
1》 administer ~ to or contaminate with ~.
2》 corrupt or harm.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~ 'magic potion', from L. potio(n-) 'potion', related to potare 'to drink'.