Study for the Nelson-Denny Test. Enhance reading and vocabulary skills with quizzes designed to boost comprehension. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is a common term for a toxic substance?

  1. Placid

  2. Virulent

  3. Lethargic

  4. Vivid

The correct answer is: Virulent

The term "virulent" describes a substance that is capable of causing disease or is extremely harmful and toxic. In the context of toxic substances, it often refers to an agent that can cause severe illness or has a harmful effect on health. This term is frequently used in medical and scientific discussions when addressing pathogens or chemicals that can have damaging effects on living organisms. In contrast, "placid" refers to a calm and peaceful condition, "lethargic" describes a state of sluggishness or lack of energy, and "vivid" typically pertains to something that is bright, intense, or lifelike. None of these terms convey the idea of toxicity or harm in the same way that "virulent" does, making it the most accurate choice in this context.