aflatoxin

noun

af·​la·​tox·​in ˌa-flə-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce aflatoxin (audio)
: any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced especially in stored agricultural crops (such as peanuts) by molds (such as Aspergillus flavus)

Examples of aflatoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Chlorophyll also protects against aflatoxins, the poisons present in mold. Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024 Peanuts can be contaminated by Aspergillus flavus, a fungus that produces the toxin aflatoxin. Johna Burdeos, Health, 5 Aug. 2024 In countries with high aflatoxin exposure, like China and parts of Africa, fewer than 1 in 1,000 people develop liver cancer. Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2012 However, there have been batches that have growing harmful molds like aflatoxin, which has caused food recalls of peanut products over the years. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for aflatoxin 

Word History

Etymology

afla-, from initial letters of New Latin Aspergillus flavus, species of mold + toxin

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aflatoxin was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near aflatoxin

Cite this Entry

“Aflatoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aflatoxin. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

aflatoxin

noun
af·​la·​tox·​in ˌaf-lə-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce aflatoxin (audio)
: any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced especially in stored agricultural crops (as peanuts) by molds (as Aspergillus flavus)

More from Merriam-Webster on aflatoxin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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