Synonyms

toxin

American

[tok-sin] / ˈtɒk sɪn /

noun

any poison produced by an organism, characterized by antigenicity in certain animals and high molecular weight, and including the bacterial toxins that are the causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc., and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and snake venom.

toxin British

/ ˈtɒksɪn /

noun

any of various poisonous substances produced by microorganisms that stimulate the production of neutralizing substances (antitoxins) in the body See also endotoxin exotoxin
any other poisonous substance of plant or animal origin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

toxin Scientific

/ tŏk′sĭn /

A poisonous substance, especially one produced by a living organism. Toxins can be products or byproducts of ordinary metabolism, such as lactic acid, and they must be broken down or excreted before building up to dangerous levels. Toxins can facilitate survival, as with snake venom that kills or immobilizes prey, or cyanide produced by some plants as a defense against being eaten. Bacterial toxins can sometimes be neutralized with antitoxins.
Compare antitoxin

Related Words

See poison.

Etymology

Origin of toxin

First recorded in 1885–90; tox(ic) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Earlier this year, Danone recalled 14 batches of its baby formula and follow-on milk, from the Aptamil and Cow and Gate brands, over fears they were contaminated with toxins.

From BBC

That included investment in products to help teachers with administrative tasks, an automated mapping system to monitor puffin populations using drones, and software to identify toxins which could give firefighters cancer.

From BBC

It’s a good way to start the day and clear out the toxins.

From Los Angeles Times

Botulinum toxin - commonly known by the brand name Botox - is more widely known for its use as a cosmetic treatment which works by blocking signals from the nerves that control the facial muscles.

From BBC

The proposed law specifically applies to homes damaged in urban or “wildland-urban interface” fires — such as those in January 2025 — where burning structures, cars, utilities and other items generate more toxins than a rural wildfire.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023