neurotoxin

[ noor-oh-tok-sin, nyoor-, noor-oh-tok-, nyoor- ]

noun

1. a neurotoxic substance, as rattlesnake venom or the poison of a black widow spider.

neurotoxin

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. any of several natural substances that interfere with the electrical activities of nerves, thus preventing them from functioning

Derived Forms

• ˌneuroˈtoxic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of neurotoxin¹

First recorded in 1900–05; neuro- + toxin

Example Sentences

Last summer, for example, a red tide bloom released a neurotoxin called domoic acid that sickened sea lions and other marine mammals along the California coast, including in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

The species tends to be shy rather than aggressive, but their venom is a powerful neurotoxin and can be fatal without medical intervention.

From BBC

While the spores are generally harmless, they can grow into the bacteria that make the risky neurotoxins.

From BBC

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin released by Pseudo-nitzschia, a common phytoplankton species found in coastal waters.

From Los Angeles Times

Some reports also suggest that, depending on the habitat, seaweed species may accumulate heavy metals such as cadmium, which has been reported to cause liver and kidney toxicity, and mercury, a known neurotoxin.

From Salon