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

Surgical treatments can be an option for patients who fail botulinum toxin treatment, though surgeries come with risks and can be variably effective. —Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025

The report includes risk factors such as potential delays in regulatory approvals, competition from existing botulinum toxin products, and reliance on third-party manufacturers. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2025

Each one is formulated with botulinum toxin A, which interrupts signals between muscles and nerves so the muscles can’t contract, therefore reducing wrinkles. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 Mar. 2025

The only thing that is true is that some people metabolize botulinum toxin faster than others. —Cordula Funke, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025

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.