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View synonyms for toxin

toxin

[ tok-sin ]

noun

  1. any poison produced by an organism, characterized by antigenicity in certain animals and high molecular weight, and including the bacterial toxins that are the causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc., and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and snake venom.


toxin

/ ˈtɒksɪn /

noun

  1. any of various poisonous substances produced by microorganisms that stimulate the production of neutralizing substances (antitoxins) in the body See also endotoxin exotoxin
  2. any other poisonous substance of plant or animal origin


toxin

/ tŏksĭn /

  1. A poisonous substance, especially one produced by a living organism. Toxins can be products or byproducts of ordinary metabolism, such as lactic acid, and they must be broken down or excreted before building up to dangerous levels. Toxins can facilitate survival, as with snake venom that kills or immobilizes prey, or cyanide produced by some plants as a defense against being eaten. Bacterial toxins can sometimes be neutralized with antitoxins.
  2. Compare antitoxin


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Word History and Origins

Origin of toxin1

First recorded in 1885–90; tox(ic) + -in 2

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Synonym Study

See poison.

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Example Sentences

Most of these medicines are based on toxins that are detectable in venom.

The research team discovered that stinging tree toxins are made of 36 amino acids.

Chronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease is when your kidneys, which normally filter wastes, toxins, and excess fluid out of your blood, can no longer get the job done.

Other brand names for similar toxins include Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau.

Veterinary scientists have confirmed that a bacterial toxin other scientists say is thriving more because of warming temperatures in water bodies as a result of climate change is the cause of massive elephant deaths in Botswana this year.

From Quartz

In this understanding, art is like a medicine or a toxin, transforming its audience for good or ill.

In fact Botulinum Toxin is a lethal substance that can cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

The same toxin that causes this “pseudomembrane” to form can also damage organs like the heart and kidneys.

Though she has clarified that she “and the autism community” are not anti-vaccine per se, they are “anti-toxin and anti-schedule.”

It presumes “that art is an instrument like medicine or a toxin that can be injected into us and transform us.”

It does, however, unite with the toxin or poison given off by the germs and renders it entirely harmless.

The severe cramp from which athletes are liable to suffer is due to an accumulation of this toxin.

Get out bandages, have hot water, make the hypodermics ready and mix some strong morphia and anti-toxin solution.

This "control" then serves to demonstrate the freedom of the toxin from living bacteria.

We encourage the enterprising doctor in his giddy chase after the nimble dollar, as he produces anti-toxin serums to order.

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toxigenictoxin-antitoxin