toxoid

[ tok-soid ]

noun

1. a toxin rendered nontoxic by treatment with chemical agents or by physical means and used for administration into the body in order to produce specific immunity by stimulating the production of antibodies.

toxoid

/ ˈtɒksɔɪd /

noun

1. a toxin that has been treated to reduce its toxicity and is used in immunization to stimulate production of antitoxins

toxoid

/ tŏk′soid′ /

1. A substance that is normally toxic but has been treated to destroy its toxic properties without eliminating its capacity to stimulate the production of antitoxins by the immune system.

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxoid¹

First recorded in 1890–95; tox(in) + -oid

Example Sentences

A similar fate befell other pioneers in the field, such as the Jewish-Ukrainian scientist Waldemar Haffkine, who, working in the British Raj, developed toxoid vaccines for both bubonic plague and cholera.

From New York Times

"This study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests the safe use of inactivated virus or bacterial vaccines or toxoids in pregnancy in order to prevent disease in both mother and child."

From US News

The list now includes measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccines.

From Washington Times

There are other immunizing agents, specifically "toxoids", which are employed, for example against tetanus.

From New York Times

That day, an unsigned article reported that the Michigan Department of Health had had “favorable results with pertussis vaccine, either alone or in combination with diphtheria toxoid.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• bacteria
• contamination
• germ
• toxin
• venom
• virus