nontoxic

1 of 2

adjective

non·​tox·​ic ˌnän-ˈtäk-sik 

: not toxic

a nontoxic work environment

a nontoxic, biodegradable pesticide

nontoxic household cleaners

nontoxic

2 of 2

noun

plural nontoxics

: a nontoxic substance

… began searching for nontoxics to control nematodes, insects and invasive species.

—Don Curlee

Examples of nontoxic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The thick, fleshy leaves and colorful flowers of a Christmas cactus might be intriguing to cats but thankfully the plants are nontoxic to pets who may eat a little of them. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024

Soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax candles are some of the cleanest burning options out there, and candles scented with essential oils tend to be free of synthetic fragrances, so be sure to seek those nontoxic options out if that’s important to you or your recipient. —Megan Wahn, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024

Noun

The set is made from high-quality nontoxic PE materials, with comfortable ergonomic handles. —Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 22 July 2022

But what exactly does nontoxic or healthy nail polish mean? —Lindsay Schallon, Glamour, 20 July 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1862, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1976, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nontoxic

adjective

non·​tox·​ic -ˈtäk-sik 

1

: not toxic

nontoxic chemicals

2

of goiter : not associated with hyperthyroidism