contact poison (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/kənˈtækt ˈpɔɪ.zən/

Meaning and Usage

"Contact poison" refers to a type of toxic substance that exerts its harmful effects through skin contact. These poisons can cause a range of reactions, from mild irritation to severe systemic effects. The term is commonly used in discussions regarding toxicology, agriculture (specifically pesticides), and environmental safety. It is a term that is more frequently encountered in written contexts, particularly in scientific literature.

Example Sentences

• The scientist warned that the insecticide was a contact poison, so they must wear protective gear.
  (El científico advirtió que el insecticida era un veneno de contacto, así que deben usar equipo de protección.)

• Farmers are advised to handle contact poisons with care to prevent accidental exposure.
  (Se aconseja a los agricultores manejar los venenos de contacto con cuidado para prevenir la exposición accidental.)

• Contact poisons can be particularly dangerous to children and pets who might touch treated surfaces.
  (Los venenos de contacto pueden ser particularmente peligrosos para los niños y las mascotas que podrían tocar superficies tratadas.)

Idiomatic Expressions

Though "contact poison" does not have widely recognized idiomatic expressions associated with it, the concept of "poison" itself appears in various idioms that convey harmful effects or toxic situations. Below are some idiomatic expressions featuring "poison."

• To poison the well - to create a situation that makes it difficult for others to succeed or trust.

• The rumor about her unethical behavior truly poisoned the well for her campaign.
  (El rumor sobre su comportamiento poco ético realmente envenenó el pozo de su campaña.)

• A bitter pill to swallow - an unpleasant or painful fact that must be accepted.

• The news of the layoffs was a bitter pill to swallow for the employees.
  (La noticia de los despidos fue una píldora amarga para tragarse para los empleados.)

• Poisoned apple - something that appears attractive but has harmful qualities.

• The new project seemed appealing, but it was a poisoned apple filled with hidden risks.
  (El nuevo proyecto parecía atractivo, pero era una manzana envenenada llena de riesgos ocultos.)

Etymology

The term "contact poison" breaks down into two parts: "contact," which comes from the Latin contactus, meaning "to touch" or "to come together," and "poison," derived from the Latin pōris, meaning "to put to death." This combines to indicate a substance that harms upon touch.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Toxicant - Poisonous substance - Hazardous material

Antonyms: - Antidote - Cure - Remedy