aflatoxin

[ af-luh-tok-sin ]

noun

1. any of various related mycotoxins produced by a species of Aspergillus, commonly A. flavus, found as a contaminant in moldy grains and meals, as in rice and peanut meal, and suspected of causing liver cancer in humans and other animals.

aflatoxin

/ ˌæfləˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. a toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus growing on peanuts, maize, etc, causing liver disease (esp cancer) in man

Word History and Origins

Origin of aflatoxin¹

1960–65; A(spergillus) fla(vus) (species name; aspergillus, flavo- ) + toxin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aflatoxin¹

C20: from A ( spergillus ) fla ( vus ) + toxin

Example Sentences

Elijah Muchima announced that approximately half of the 25 samples taken from milling companies were found to contain exceedingly high levels of aflatoxins, a poisonous substance produced by fungi.

From BBC

Consumption of high levels of aflatoxin, the most dangerous mycotoxin, can cause severe toxicity or—with prolonged exposure—even liver cancer.

From National Geographic

Heavy exposure to aflatoxin, a type of mycotoxin, causes liver damage, jaundice, hemorrhage and edema.

From Salon

Climate change is expanding the reach of aflatoxin, a chemical produced by a gray-green mold that infects corn crops and could threaten widespread damage to the country's lucrative Corn Belt.

From Salon

The company expanded the recall in January after tests of certain products showed that aflatoxin, a toxin that is produced by mold, exceeded acceptable levels, the agency said.

From Seattle Times