Nonpoisonous means not capable of causing harm or death through poison. A nonpoisonous snake, like a garter snake or corn snake, won't inject venom when it bites. A nonpoisonous plant, like a marigold or sunflower, won't make you sick if you accidentally touch or taste it.

The word helps distinguish safe things from dangerous ones that look similar. Many people fear all snakes, but most snake species are actually nonvenomous and generally harmless to humans. Some mushrooms are nonpoisonous and good to eat, while others that look almost identical can make you seriously ill.

Scientists and nature guides use this word frequently when teaching people what's safe in the natural world. A field guide might note that a particular berry is nonpoisonous, meaning it will not make you sick.

Note that nonpoisonous is different from nonvenomous. Venomous creatures inject toxins through fangs or stingers, while poisonous ones are toxic if you eat or touch them. A nonpoisonous frog won't harm you if you touch it, unlike poison dart frogs whose skin contains dangerous toxins.