exotoxin

noun

exo·​tox·​in ˌek-sō-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce exotoxin (audio)
: a soluble poisonous substance produced during growth of a microorganism and released into the surrounding medium

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exotoxin was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near exotoxin

Cite this Entry

“Exotoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exotoxin. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

exotoxin

noun
exo·​tox·​in ˌek-sō-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce exotoxin (audio)
: a soluble poisonous substance produced during growth of a microorganism and released into the surrounding medium
tetanus exotoxin
compare endotoxin
exotoxic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on exotoxin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!