antitoxin

[ an-ti-tok-sin, an-tee- ]

noun

1. a substance, formed in the body, that counteracts a specific toxin.
2. the antibody formed in immunization with a given toxin, used in treating certain infectious diseases or in immunizing against them.

antitoxin

/ ˌæntɪˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. an antibody that neutralizes a toxin
2. blood serum that contains a specific antibody

antitoxin

/ ăn′tē-tŏk′sĭn,ăn′tī- /

1. An antibody formed in response to and capable of neutralizing a specific toxin of biological origin.
2. Compare toxin
3. An animal or human serum containing antitoxins, used to prevent or treat diseases caused by biological toxins, such as tetanus, botulism, and diphtheria.

Derived Forms

• ˌantiˈtoxic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antitoxin¹

First recorded in 1890–95; anti- + toxin

Example Sentences

There is an antitoxin that doctors can give.

From BBC

It has a case fatality rate of as high as 40% if not treated with antitoxin—supplies of which are “very constrained,” WHO reported.

From Science Magazine

As diphtheria - a serious and sometimes fatal bacterial infection - spread among Nome's people, its port was icebound, meaning antitoxin would have to be delivered overland.

From Reuters

In February 1925, in the midst of a diphtheria outbreak, a relay of sled dog teams delivered an emergency supply of antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, which had been isolated by snow.

From New York Times

Dr. Park was responsible for helping mass-produce an antitoxin that served as a breakthrough in treating and preventing diphtheria, a disease that killed many of the small children and others who share his burial ground.

From New York Times