toxin

[tok-sin]

noun

1. any poison produced by an organism, characterized by antigenicity in certain animals and high molecular weight, and including the bacterial toxins that are the causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc., and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and snake venom.

toxin

/ ˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. any of various poisonous substances produced by microorganisms that stimulate the production of neutralizing substances (antitoxins) in the body See also endotoxin exotoxin

2. any other poisonous substance of plant or animal origin

toxin

1. A poisonous substance, especially one produced by a living organism. Toxins can be products or byproducts of ordinary metabolism, such as lactic acid, and they must be broken down or excreted before building up to dangerous levels. Toxins can facilitate survival, as with snake venom that kills or immobilizes prey, or cyanide produced by some plants as a defense against being eaten. Bacterial toxins can sometimes be neutralized with antitoxins.

2. Compare antitoxin

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxin¹

First recorded in 1885–90; tox(ic) + -in ²

Synonym Study

See poison.

Example Sentences

Stokes said the club was cognizant of ongoing air quality and soil toxin issues in the area.

From Los Angeles Times

She says that having botulinum toxin injected at such an early age risks building up a tolerance to it.

From BBC

Citing an expert, Fang said chickens pecking in soil with high levels of lead and arsenic will accumulate the toxins in their bodies and eggshells.

From Los Angeles Times

Some people with kidney failure cannot urinate, so a machine cleans the body of toxins and excess fluid.

From BBC

It also acts as a filter to protect it from toxins and pollutants.

From BBC

Related Words

• contamination 
• germ 
• infection 
• venom 
• virus