Definition
cytotoxicity
noun
- the quality or state of being toxic or poisonous to cells; the ability of a substance or agent to damage or kill cells
Usage: technical; biology/medicine
Examples
- The researchers measured the cytotoxicity of the new drug by observing how many cancer cells it killed in the laboratory.
- Chemotherapy drugs work by inducing cytotoxicity in rapidly dividing tumor cells.
- The cytotoxicity of the compound increased significantly at higher concentrations.
- Scientists use cell culture assays to evaluate the cytotoxicity of potential pharmaceutical candidates.
- The immune system's natural killer cells exhibit cytotoxicity against infected or abnormal cells.
- Understanding the cytotoxicity profile of a medication is essential for determining safe dosage levels.