patulin

[ pat-yoo-lin, pach-oo- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a toxic antibiotic, C 7 H 6 O 4 , derived from various fungi, as Penicillium patulum and Aspergillus clavatus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of patulin¹

1940–45; < New Latin patul ( um ) specific epithet of the fungus ( Latin: neuter of patulus patulous ) + -in ²