botulinum toxin

noun

: a neurotoxin formed by botulinum that causes botulism and that is injected in a purified form for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes (as to treat blepharospasm and reduce wrinkles)

Examples of botulinum toxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Botox is a drug made from botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 24 Apr. 2024

That said, in therapeutic cases much higher doses of botulinum toxin are used than in cosmetic patients. —Taryn Brooke, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024

But when it is injected carefully, botulinum toxin is generally considered safe. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 16 Apr. 2024

Go to a licensed and trained professional to get an injection of botulinum toxin for cosmetic reasons, and get it in a medical or licensed setting. —USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024

Botox is an injection of the botulinum toxin, made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which blocks nerve signals and in turn, forces the muscles to relax. —Korin Miller, Health, 26 Feb. 2024

The cosmetic treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin, or a similar muscle-paralyzing neurotoxin, into the trapezius muscles, or traps, with the intent of flattening the shoulders to give the appearance of a longer neck. —USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2023

Historical notes on botulism, Clostridium botulinum, botulinum toxin, and the idea of the therapeutic use of the toxin. —Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2016

And note that botulinum toxin injections are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. —Brian Underwood, Women's Health, 31 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

botulinum toxin

noun

variants also botulinus toxin

: a very powerful neurotoxin that causes botulism and is produced by the botulinum bacterium (Clostridium botulinum)

also : botulinum toxin type a

Note: Botulinum toxin acts primarily on the parasympathetic nervous system.