Definitions

(noun,adjective) poison; toxic; poisonous
(adjective) cruel; malicious
(verb) to poison
(noun) narcotics; drugs

Etymology

Depicts a plant () that is not good (), i.e. a poisonous plant.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "毒" originates from the concept of poisonous plants, as indicated by the "艹" radical representing vegetation, with its modern structure combining "艹" above "母". Initially referring specifically to toxic herbs, its meaning broadened to encompass all harmful substances, and over time it acquired extended senses including malicious intent and narcotics.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这种蘑菇有

Zhè zhǒng mógu yǒu dú.

This mushroom is poisonous.

品对健康有害。

Dúpǐn duì jiànkāng yǒuhài.

Drugs are harmful to health.

传播得很快。

Bìngdú chuánbō dé hěn kuài.

The virus spreads quickly.

他中被送医院。

Tā zhòngdú bèi sòng yīyuàn.

He was poisoned and sent to the hospital.

这种药非常危险。

Zhè zhǒng dúyào fēichāng wēixiǎn.

This poison is very dangerous.

科学家在研究解方法。

Kēxuéjiā zài yánjiū jiědú fāngfǎ.

Scientists are researching detoxification methods.

环境污染会导致土壤有

Huánjìng wūrǎn huì dǎozhì tǔrǎng yǒu dú.

Environmental pollution can cause soil to be toxic.

这种化学物质有剧,必须小心处理。

Zhè zhǒng huàxué wùzhì yǒu jùdú, bìxū xiǎoxīn chǔlǐ.

This chemical substance is highly toxic and must be handled carefully.