Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
LD50 stands for "lethal dose 50" and refers to the amount of a substance that is estimated to be lethal to 50% of the test population. It is commonly used in toxicology studies to determine the toxicity level of a substance.
These studies examine the relationship between the dose (amount) of a substance given and its effect on an organism. They help determine how different doses affect individuals or populations.
Median lethal dose: Similar to LD50, this term refers specifically to the dose at which 50% of test subjects die. It is often used interchangeably with LD50 in toxicology research.
This term describes the degree or extent to which a substance can harm living organisms. It considers both the concentration and exposure time, helping us understand how dangerous a substance may be.