Definition of "hormesis" [hormesis]

• Stimulation by the use of a low concentration of a toxin (noun)

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• "Biologists who specialize in the biochemical and physiological effects of toxic chemicals in living systems - toxicologists - use the term hormesis to refer to the effects of certain (often environmental) chemicals, having definite toxic effects when exposed to the system at certain known doses, yet having beneficial effects when exposed to the system at doses lower than those that cause toxicity."
• "In fact, toxicologists are studying a concept called hormesis that suggests, in some cases, exposure to low levels of a chemical may actually help prevent cancer or other diseases because the exposure works on the human body in the same manner as a medical vaccination to initiate and strengthen natural defense systems."
• "The multi-disciplinary field of small dose effects is called "hormesis," and approximately 1,000 studies from a wide variety of scientific specialties have confirmed significant and sometimes substantial biological effects from extremely small doses of certain substances on certain biological systems."