citrinin

noun

ci·​tri·​nin si-ˈtrī-nən 

: a toxic antibiotic C₁₃H₁₄O₅ that is produced especially by a penicillium (Penicillium citrinum) and an aspergillus (Aspergillus niveus) and is effective against some gram-positive bacteria

Examples of citrinin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gastrointestinal side effects, headache, eczema, and kidney injury from products contaminated with the toxin citrinin have been noted. —Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025

Scientists say the fermentation process can, however, produce unsafe levels of citrinin – a toxin that causes kidney dysfunction. —Himari Semans, CNN, 28 Mar. 2024

Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2010 showed an even wider range of potencies, and found a chemical called citrinin in some of the supplements, which has been known to cause kidney damage and cancer in animals. —Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 23 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin citrinum, specific epithet of Penicillium citrinum

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for citrinin

• catenin
• carrageenan
• renin

Medical Definition

citrinin

noun

ci·​tri·​nin si-ˈtrī-nən 

: a toxic antibiotic C₁₃H₁₄O₅ that is produced especially by two molds of the genus Penicillium (P. citrinum) and the genus Aspergillus (A. niveus) and is effective against some gram-positive bacteria