saxitoxin

noun

sax·​i·​tox·​in ˌsak-sə-ˈtäk-sən 

: a potent nonprotein neurotoxin C₁₀H₁₇N₇O₄·2HCl that originates especially in dinoflagellates (genera Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, and Pyrodinium) found in red tides and that sometimes occurs in and renders toxic normally edible mollusks which feed on them

Examples of saxitoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The results showed that 50 to 100 percent of the whale samples contained saxitoxin over a 19-year period. — Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025

Our research suggests warmer water temperatures could boost its production, which raises concerns that saxitoxin will become more prevalent with climate change. — Gregory J. Dick, The Conversation, 26 June 2025

Two others are blooming, including Alexandrium, which creates saxitoxin and causes paralytic shellfish poisoning that can be harmful to marine mammals and humans, and Akashiwo sanguinea, which can cause hypothermia in sea birds. — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025

As Outside previously reported, saxitoxin can lead to paralysis, and microcystin can damage the liver if ingested. — Julia Ries, Outside Online, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

saxi- (from New Latin Saxidomus giganteus, species of butter clam from which it is isolated) + toxin

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saxitoxin

• aflatoxin
• antitoxin
• digitoxin
• endotoxin
• exotoxin
• ferredoxin
• mycotoxin
• neurotoxin
• picrotoxin
• alloxan
• digoxin
• dioxan

Medical Definition

saxitoxin

noun

saxi·​tox·​in ˌsak-sə-ˈtäk-sən 

: a potent nonprotein neurotoxin C₁₀H₁₇N₇O₄·2HCl that originates especially in dinoflagellates (as of the genera Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, and Pyrodinium) found in red tides and causes paralytic shellfish poisoning when ingested in contaminated shellfish