nox ‧ ious /ˈnɒkʃəs $ ˈnɑːk-/ BrE AmE adjective formal
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: noxius , from noxa 'harm' ]
harmful or poisonous SYN toxic ⇨ innocuous :
noxious fumes
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THESAURUS
▪ poisonous containing or producing a substance that is likely to kill you, or make you very ill:
poisonous gas
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poisonous snakes
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The plant is poisonous to humans and animals.
▪ toxic toxic chemicals and waste are poisonous to people and the environment:
Crops were sprayed with highly toxic chemicals.
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Lead is toxic to humans.
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The site was used for the disposal of toxic waste.
▪ noxious [usually before noun] formal noxious substances and gases are poisonous:
Vehicles pollute the air with noxious fumes
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The soil may be contaminated with noxious substances.
▪ hazardous [usually before noun] hazardous substances are likely to harm people, animals, or the environment if they are not dealt with or got rid of carefully:
Lead is one of the most hazardous substances known, causing cancer and nerve damage.
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The building is now unoccupied, and all radioactive or hazardous materials have been removed.
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hazardous nuclear waste
▪ deadly extremely poisonous and likely to kill you – used especially about poisons and snakes:
a deadly poison
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a deadly snake
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Terrorists plotted to release a deadly gas.