tetrodotoxin

noun

te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrō-də-ˈtäk-sən 

: a neurotoxin C₁₁H₁₇N₃O₈ found especially in puffer fish that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions

Examples of tetrodotoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, the genetic material is CRISPR/Cas9 instructions that instruct the hookworm to synthesize a specific protein, s16-HuScFv, which can neutralize tetrodotoxin. — Jay Kakade august 05, Refractor, 5 Aug. 2026

Not all pufferfish are poisonous, but the vast majority contain a lethal neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin in their internal organs and skin. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Mitreva’s study was, in fact, funded by the US Department of Defense with a view to developing a treatment for tetrodotoxin poisoning. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 18 June 2026

At least five toxins were detected in his body, including deadly poisons such as mercury and tetrodotoxin, according to reports from Chinese media. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary tetrodo- (from New Latin Tetrodon, genus of tropical marine fishes) + toxin

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tetrodotoxin

• enterotoxin
• aflatoxin
• antitoxin
• digitoxin
• endotoxin
• exotoxin
• ferredoxin
• mycotoxin
• neurotoxin
• picrotoxin
• alloxan
• digoxin

Medical Definition

tetrodotoxin

noun

te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrōd-ə-ˈtäk-sən 

: a neurotoxin C₁₁H₁₇N₃O₈ that is found especially in pufferfishes and that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions