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

What intimidates some potential patients, though, is the fact that Botox is derived from botulinum toxin A — a toxic substance which, if mishandled, can lead to death. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Those antibodies can form against the active botulinum toxin itself or against the supporting proteins in the formula. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026

Masseter Botox relaxes those muscles with injections of botulinum toxin, sold under brand names Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau and Daxxify. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026

One clinical trial from 2023 found that people with high activity levels saw botulinum toxin (Botox) fade faster than sedentary people over the course of three months. — Allison Forsyth, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for botulinum toxin

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

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.