aflatoxin

noun

af·​la·​tox·​in ˌa-flə-ˈtäk-sən 

: any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced especially in stored agricultural crops (such as peanuts) by molds (such as Aspergillus flavus)

Examples of aflatoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another significant species, Aspergillus flavus, affects crops and produces aflatoxins, which can cause liver damage and cancer. — Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

As well, the fungal toxin aflatoxin continues to harm the domestic peanut supply. — Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Another concern is aflatoxins, toxins from certain fungi that can grow on peanuts, tree nuts, and other crops like corn. — Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Jan. 2025

Chlorophyll also protects against aflatoxins, the poisons present in mold. — Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

afla-, from initial letters of New Latin Aspergillus flavus, species of mold + toxin

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aflatoxin

• antitoxin
• digitoxin
• endotoxin
• exotoxin
• ferredoxin
• mycotoxin
• neurotoxin
• picrotoxin
• alloxan
• digoxin
• dioxan
• dioxin

Medical Definition

aflatoxin

noun

af·​la·​tox·​in ˌaf-lə-ˈtäk-sən 

: any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced especially in stored agricultural crops (as peanuts) by molds (as Aspergillus flavus)