neurotoxin

noun

neu·​ro·​tox·​in ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce neurotoxin (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-
: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells

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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 The Flint water crisis started in 2014 when the city switched water sources and lead, a neurotoxin particularly dangerous to children, leached into the city's water supply. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 1 Feb. 2024 During the fire, levels of lead — a potent neurotoxin — in Chico were about 50 times above average, California Air Resources Board researchers found. Evan Bush, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2023 Editor’s note: This story was edited to clarify Jason Landon’s stance on using second-generation anticoagulants vs. acute neurotoxins. Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2024 Lead is a dangerous neurotoxin, and any exposure to it is harmful to human health. Rachel Silverman Bonnifield, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2024 Long-term exposure to lead, a neurotoxin, can cause damage to the nervous system and brain, said Dr. Adam Keating, a primary care pediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 18 Dec. 2023 The mushrooms, eaten alone, contain a dangerous amount of the neurotoxin Ibotenic acid. Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 The algae, Pseudo-nitzschia, produces a neurotoxin called domoic acid, which can be poisonous to seabirds and fish once ingested. Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 22 June 2023 Providers can also enroll in programs from reputable organizations, such as Aesthetic Medical Educators Training or the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, which both provide hands-on experience injecting live models, along with courses on the neurotoxins trainees will be administering. Audrey Noble, SELF, 11 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neurotoxin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurotoxin was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near neurotoxin

Cite this Entry

“Neurotoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotoxin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

neurotoxin

noun
neu·​ro·​tox·​in -ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce neurotoxin (audio)
: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells

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