Definitions

1. adjective

Describing a process or effect in which a low dose of a toxic substance has a beneficial effect on the organism.

“The researchers found that a small amount of radiation exposure had hormetic effects on the population’s immune system.”

2. noun

A phenomenon in which small amounts of a toxic substance, such as radiation, have a beneficial effect on an organism.

“The study of hormetic effects in cancer treatment is a rapidly growing field of research.”