toxin

[ tok-sin ]

noun

1. 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

/ ˈtɒksɪn /

noun

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

toxin

/ tŏk′sĭn /

1. 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.
2. Compare antitoxin

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxin¹

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

Synonym Study

See poison.

Example Sentences

The toxins are not in every black-colored item — for example, you won’t find it in a black spatula made of silicone.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors believed Kwan used a pesticide called iodomethane, although multiple other poisons, including the ingredients for making ricin, were found at his home along with numerous books, recipes and terrorism manuals about toxins.

From BBC

In recent appearances supporting Trump, Kennedy has said he wants to get rid of “the toxins” in Americans’ food.

From Los Angeles Times

Axel Rudakubana appeared in court on Tuesday to face charges of producing a biological toxin and possession of a document likely be useful in terrorism.

From BBC

He has charged with production of a biological toxin contrary to Section 1 of the Biological Weapons Act 1974.

From BBC

Related Words

• contamination
• germ
• infection
• venom
• virus