neurotoxin

noun

neu·​ro·​tox·​in ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈtäk-sən 

ˌnyu̇r-

: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells

Did you know?

The nervous system is almost all-powerful in the body: all five senses depend on it, as do breathing, digestion, and the heart. So it's an obvious target for poisons, and neurotoxins have developed as weapons in many animals, including snakes, bees, and spiders. Some wasps use a neurotoxin to paralyze their prey so that it can be stored alive to be eaten later. Snake venom is often neurotoxic (as in cobras and coral snakes, for example), though it may instead be hemotoxic (as in rattlesnakes and coppermouths), operating on the circulatory system. Artificial neurotoxins, called nerve agents, have been developed by scientists as means of chemical warfare; luckily, few have ever been used.

Examples of neurotoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Very few of the lines that have been tested appear to be made of lead, a neurotoxin that can harm a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention and academic achievement, even at very low levels of exposure. —Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2024

But lead is also a potent neurotoxin, especially for children and developing fetuses, but also for adults and wildlife. —John Myers, Twin Cities, 11 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French névrotoxine, from névro- neuro- + toxine toxin

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neurotoxin

noun

neu·​ro·​tox·​in -ˈtäk-sən 

: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells