botulinum toxin

noun

: a neurotoxin formed by botulinum that causes botulism and that is injected in a purified form for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes (as to treat blepharospasm and reduce wrinkles)

Examples of botulinum toxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Botox is derived from botulinum toxin type A, a toxin that’s produced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025

With the Botox approach, small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the voice box muscles to stop the spasms. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

Products like dips can be particularly risky for botulinum toxin contamination if they are not processed properly, as Clostridium botulinum thrives in low-acid, low-oxygen environments. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

The botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions, leading to muscle paralysis. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for botulinum toxin

• aflatoxin
• antitoxin
• digitoxin
• endotoxin
• exotoxin
• ferredoxin
• mycotoxin
• neurotoxin
• picrotoxin
• alloxan
• digoxin
• dioxan

Medical Definition

botulinum toxin

noun

variants also botulinus toxin

: a very powerful neurotoxin that causes botulism and is produced by the botulinum bacterium (Clostridium botulinum)

also : botulinum toxin type a

Note: Botulinum toxin acts primarily on the parasympathetic nervous system.