1. poisonous or harmful to cells; capable of causing cell death or damage
Usage: medical/scientific term; commonly used in oncology and immunology

Examples

• Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic agents that target rapidly dividing cancer cells.
• The immune system produces cytotoxic T cells to destroy infected or abnormal cells.
• Researchers tested the cytotoxic effects of the new compound on tumor samples.
• Certain natural substances have been found to have cytotoxic properties against leukemia cells.
• The cytotoxic activity of the drug was measured in laboratory experiments.
• Doctors must carefully balance the cytotoxic benefits of cancer treatment with potential side effects.