hormesis
/hɔːˈmiːsɪs/Biology
noun
The phenomenon or condition of a substance or other agent having a beneficial physiological effect at low levels of exposure even though toxic or otherwise harmful at higher levels.
- Used especially with reference to a known toxin, or to ionizing radiation..
Origin
1940s. From Hellenistic Greek ὅρμησις rapid motion, eagerness from ancient Greek ὁρμάειν to set in motion, impel, urge on (from ὁρμή rapid motion forward, onrush, impulse from the base of ὄρνυσθαι to urge on, make rise, of uncertain origin (but apparently Indo-European) + -σμα, extended form of -μα: see -oma) + -σις.