猛毒
この植物は猛毒を持っている。
This plant contains deadly poison.
A substance that is extremely poisonous and can cause severe harm or death.
猛毒を持つヘビに注意しなければならない。
You must be careful of snakes that carry deadly poison.
このカビは猛毒を放出する可能性がある。
This mold may release deadly poison.
Often used in scientific, medical, or cautionary contexts.
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 猛毒 from 毒
While both words mean 'poison,' 猛毒 specifically implies a higher level of toxicity. For example, '毒を持つ' (to carry poison) is neutral, whereas '猛毒を持つ' (to carry deadly poison) suggests extreme danger.
Word Origin
The word combines 猛 (mō, 'fierce' or 'intense') and 毒 (doku, 'poison'). The compound emphasizes the extreme potency of the poison.
Usage Notes
猛毒 is typically used to describe substances with a high degree of toxicity, often in a formal or scientific context. It is not used colloquially for mild poisons.