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

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

Foodborne botulism is a potentially deadly condition that’s caused by eating food contaminated with botulinum toxin, a potent toxin that attacks the body’s nervous system. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025

Can Facial Taping Replace Botox or Dysport? Botox and Dysport are injectable medications that contain botulinum toxin. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 4 Mar. 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.