Acute Toxicity

Definition

The adverse effects caused by a single or short exposure to a potentially harmful substance. In entomology, acute toxicity refers to the immediate and often intense response of an organism to a high dose of insecticide.

Etymology

From Latin 'acutus', meaning 'sharp' or 'acute', and 'toxicitas', meaning 'poison'.

Example

The acute toxicity of DDT to insects is well documented.

Related Terms

• Toxicity
• Dose
• Exposure

Usage Notes

Acute toxicity testing involves exposing organisms to a single dose for a short period, typically 24 hours, and observing the resulting effects.