toxin

tox·in

noun \ˈtäk-sən\

Definition of TOXIN

: a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation

Examples of TOXIN

1. the toxin in scorpion venom
2. <read a pamphlet on the toxin responsible for botulism, a food poisoning that can cause paralysis and even death in some cases>

Origin of TOXIN

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1886

Related to TOXIN

Synonyms

bane, toxic, poison, venom

Related Words

cancer, contagion, disease, virus; fungicide, germicide, herbicide, insecticide, microbicide, pesticide, toxicant

Near Antonyms

antidote, antivenin, antivenom, mithridate; cure; cure-all, elixir, panacea

Rhymes with TOXIN

coxswain, tocsin

tox·in

noun \ˈtäk-sən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TOXIN

: a colloidal proteinaceous poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation

toxin

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any substance poisonous to an organism; often restricted to poisons produced by living organisms. In addition to those from such microorganisms as bacteria (see bacterial diseases), dinoflagellates, and algae, there are toxins in fungi (mycotoxins; see aflatoxin; mushroom poisoning), higher plants (phytotoxins), and animals (zootoxins, or venoms). The plants include nightshade (see nightshade family), poison hemlock, foxglove, mistletoe, and poison ivy. Many plant toxins (e.g., pyrethrins, nicotine, rotenone) apparently protect their producers against certain animals (especially insects) or fungi. Similar defensive secretions in animals may be widely distributed or concentrated in certain tissues, often with some sort of delivery system (e.g., spines, fangs). Animals such as spiders and snakes use venoms to catch prey and often for defense. Many normally edible fishes and shellfishes become poisonous after feeding on toxic plants or algae. See also antidote; food poisoning.