The spelling of the phrase "more nontoxic" may seem confusing, but it follows a consistent pattern in English. The prefix "non-" (meaning "not") is added to the adjective "toxic" to create a new adjective, "nontoxic" (IPA: /nɒn'tɒksɪk/). To compare two things that are both nontoxic, we add the comparative suffix "-er" and the word "more" to create "more nontoxic" (IPA: /mɔː ˌnɒn'tɒksɪk/). This construction may seem redundant, but it is necessary in English grammar for correct comparative and superlative forms of adjectives.
"More nontoxic" refers to a comparative degree used to describe something that has a lower level of toxicity or harmfulness compared to another substance, organism, or scenario. The term "nontoxic" itself denotes the absence or minimal presence of substances that can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment.
When we say something is "more nontoxic," we emphasize that it possesses a higher degree of safety or lower potential for causing damage when compared to an alternative. It implies that while the object or substance may still carry some level of toxicity, it is relatively less harmful or dangerous than other options.
The concept of "more nontoxic" is often used in various contexts. For example, it can be applied to products such as cleaning agents, pesticides, cosmetics, or chemicals, indicating that the specified item has less toxic ingredients or a reduced adverse impact on health and the environment when compared to others.
Additionally, "more nontoxic" can be employed in discussions around biological organisms, highlighting individuals or species that possess a lower level of toxicity in their venom, secretions, or bodily fluids compared to their counterparts. This characteristic may impact their interaction with other organisms, including humans.
In summary, the term "more nontoxic" emphasizes the relative lower level of toxicity or harmfulness of something compared to another option, underscoring its higher degree of safety or reduced potential for causing harm.
The word "more nontoxic" does not have an etymology of its own since it is a combination of words with established etymologies. Let's break it down:
1. "More": This word comes from the Old English word "māra", which means "greater" or "to a greater extent". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*maizon" and is related to the Latin word "maior" and the Greek word "meiōn".
2. "Non": This is a prefix meaning "not" or "lack of". It is derived from the Latin word "non", which also means "not".
3. "Toxic": This word comes from the Late Latin word "toxicus", which means "poisonous" or "venomous". It is derived from the Greek word "toxikon", referring to a poison used on arrows.