citrinin

noun

ci·​tri·​nin si-ˈtrī-nən How to pronounce citrinin (audio)
: a toxic antibiotic C13H14O5 that is produced especially by a penicillium (Penicillium citrinum) and an aspergillus (Aspergillus niveus) and is effective against some gram-positive bacteria

Examples of citrinin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists say the fermentation process can, however, produce unsafe levels of citrinin – a toxin that causes kidney dysfunction. Himari Semans, CNN, 28 Mar. 2024 Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2010 showed an even wider range of potencies, and found a chemical called citrinin in some of the supplements, which has been known to cause kidney damage and cancer in animals. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 23 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin citrinum, specific epithet of Penicillium citrinum

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of citrinin was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near citrinin

Cite this Entry

“Citrinin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citrinin. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

citrinin

noun
ci·​tri·​nin si-ˈtrī-nən How to pronounce citrinin (audio)
: a toxic antibiotic C13H14O5 that is produced especially by two molds of the genus Penicillium (P. citrinum) and the genus Aspergillus (A. niveus) and is effective against some gram-positive bacteria
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