Heterointoxication

/ˌhɛtərəˌɪntɑksɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

Poisoning or toxic effects caused by exposure to harmful substances from a different organism or external source.

Etymology

From 'hetero-' (different) and 'intoxication' (poisoning). This toxicology term describes toxic exposure that originates outside the body or from another species.

Kelly Says

Snake venom causes heterointoxication because it comes from outside the victim's body, whereas your liver naturally producing too many toxins would be self-poisoning.

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