Hematoxic

/ˌhɛmətəʊˈtɒksɪk/ adjective

Definition

Poisonous or toxic to blood cells and the blood system.

Etymology

From Greek haima (blood) + Latin toxicum (poison). This medical term describes substances or conditions that damage or destroy blood cells and blood function.

Kelly Says

Many drugs and chemicals that are safe for other parts of your body can be hematoxic—some medicines for cancer actually work by being toxic to fast-growing cells, including blood cells, which is why chemotherapy has tricky side effects!

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