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

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

Many people intentionally expose themselves to chemicals like ethanol through alcoholic beverages, nicotine through tobacco products and botulinum toxin through botox treatments at relatively low doses and suffer minimal adverse effects. —Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2023

The bacteria secretes eight different subtypes of botulinum toxin; type A is considered one of its strongest toxins and is the only commercially available form of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use. —Danielle Cohen, Allure, 19 Dec. 2022

The botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous natural substances known; a dose of just 1 nanogram per kilogram weight is lethal. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 Mar. 2023

This example from the paper is from a real patent for a pain killer based on botulinum toxin. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2019

Instead, the novel begins with the fascinating history of the discovery of botulinum toxin, starting in the ninth century and following an unlikely path (via its commercial form, Botox) into the faces of millions of women, including a member of the English department where Erin is a student. —Nina Renata Aron, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2022

Found on plants, in soil, water and the intestinal tracts of animals, Botox, the trademark named for botulinum toxin, can be an effective treatment for health issues when used in small doses. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2022

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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.