neurotoxin

noun

neu·​ro·​tox·​in ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce neurotoxin (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-
: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells

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The nervous system is almost all-powerful in the body: all five senses depend on it, as do breathing, digestion, and the heart. So it's an obvious target for poisons, and neurotoxins have developed as weapons in many animals, including snakes, bees, and spiders. Some wasps use a neurotoxin to paralyze their prey so that it can be stored alive to be eaten later. Snake venom is often neurotoxic (as in cobras and coral snakes, for example), though it may instead be hemotoxic (as in rattlesnakes and coppermouths), operating on the circulatory system. Artificial neurotoxins, called nerve agents, have been developed by scientists as means of chemical warfare; luckily, few have ever been used.

Examples of neurotoxin in a Sentence

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However, the powders aren’t the only items that have been found to contain lead, a neurotoxin that can be harmful at any level. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2024 Climate & Environment Outbreak of neurotoxin killing unprecedented number of sea lions along California coast Aug. 11, 2024 With roughly 1,100 dairy herds in California — and 90% located in the San Joaquin Valley — concern is palpable, say industry insiders. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2024 Hu said the evidence clearly shows fluoride is a neurotoxin, at least for a developing brain. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 23 Oct. 2024 As with any neurotoxin injection, it’s advised to avoid lying down for about three to four hours afterwards to ensure the neurotoxin doesn’t migrate. Taryn Brooke, Allure, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for neurotoxin 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French névrotoxine, from névro- neuro- + toxine toxin

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurotoxin was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near neurotoxin

Cite this Entry

“Neurotoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotoxin. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

neurotoxin

noun
neu·​ro·​tox·​in -ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce neurotoxin (audio)
: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells

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