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The use of "poison" as an adjective ("poisonous") dates from the 1520s. Using the word "poison" with plant names dates from the 18th century. The term "poison ivy", for example, was first used in 1784 and the term "poison oak" was first used in 1743. The term "poison gas" was first used in 1915. [9]
Today, poison is used for a wider variety of purposes than it used to be. For example, poison can be used to rid an unwanted infestation by pests or to kill weeds. Such chemicals, known as pesticides, [24] have been known to be used in some form since about 2500 BC. However, the use of pesticides has increased staggeringly from 1950, and ...
The following is a list of types of poison by intended use: Biocide – a chemical substance capable of killing living organisms, usually in a selective way Fungicide – a chemical compound or biological organism used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores; Microbicide – any compound or substance whose purpose is to reduce the infectivity ...
The "Laws of Manu," a Hindu treatise on statecraft (c. 400 BC) forbids the use of poison and fire arrows, but advises poisoning food and water. Kautilya's "Arthashastra", a statecraft manual of the same era, contains hundreds of recipes for creating poison weapons, toxic smokes, and other chemical weapons.
Venom in medicine is the medicinal use of venoms for therapeutic benefit in treating diseases. Venom is any poisonous compound secreted by an animal intended to harm or disable another. When an organism produces a venom, its final form may contain hundreds of different bioactive elements that interact with each other inevitably producing its ...
Curare was used as a paralyzing poison by many South American indigenous people. Since it was too expensive to be used in warfare, curare was mainly used for hunting. [3] The prey was shot by arrows or blowgun darts dipped in curare, leading to asphyxiation owing to the inability of the victim's respiratory muscles to contract.
Poison oak is a leafy shrub that grows in shady areas of your yard where it can reach six feet in height. The leaves and stems of the western poison oak plant ( Toxicodendron ) can release an oil ...
Poison is a related but broader term that encompasses both toxins and toxicants; poisons may enter the body through any means - typically inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Toxin, toxicant, and poison are often used interchangeably despite these subtle differences in definition.