botulinum toxin

/ ˌbɒtjʊˈlaɪnəm /

noun

1. a pharmaceutical formulation of botulin used in minute doses to treat various forms of muscle spasm and for the cosmetic removal of wrinkles See Botox

botulinum toxin

/ bŏch′ə-lī′nəm /

1. Any of several enzymes produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that are extremely potent neurotoxins. Botulinum toxin interferes with the ability of neurons to release acetylcholine at nerve-muscle junctures, thereby inducing the paralysis of botulism. Botulinum toxin is resistant to enzymatic digestion in the body and is used as an antispasmodic and a treatment for wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles.
2. Also called botulin

Example Sentences

In fact Botulinum Toxin is a lethal substance that can cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

From The Daily Beast