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

Voice therapy through working with a speech pathologist alongside botulinum toxin administration may also be beneficial. —Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025

Botox is a brand name for a medication that contains botulinum toxin type A, a substance that temporarily relaxes muscles. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025

As Allure previously reported, this type of injectable (also known as botulinum toxin type A) works to smooth wrinkles by temporarily preventing the nerves in facial muscles to flex. —Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 16 May 2025

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

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.