tetrodotoxin

noun

te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrō-də-ˈtäk-sən 

: a neurotoxin C₁₁H₁₇N₃O₈ found especially in puffer fish that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions

Examples of tetrodotoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pufferfish secrete tetrodotoxin, which can inhibit the victim’s nervous system and is lethal in large doses. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

The fish’s organs, skin, blood and bones contain high concentrations of tetrodotoxin, a deadly poison. —Chris Lau, CNN, 25 June 2024

Pufferfish poison is known as tetrodotoxin, or TTX. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2024

At least five toxins were detected in Lin’s body, including mercury and tetrodotoxin – an extremely potent poison found in pufferfish, Chinese financial magazine Caixin reported, citing people close to the video game tycoon. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary tetrodo- (from New Latin Tetrodon, genus of tropical marine fishes) + toxin

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tetrodotoxin

noun

te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrōd-ə-ˈtäk-sən 

: a neurotoxin C₁₁H₁₇N₃O₈ that is found especially in pufferfishes and that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions