tetrodotoxin

noun

te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrō-də-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce tetrodotoxin (audio)
: 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
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for tetrodotoxin 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetrodotoxin was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near tetrodotoxin

Cite this Entry

“Tetrodotoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetrodotoxin. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

tetrodotoxin

noun
te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrōd-ə-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce tetrodotoxin (audio)
: a neurotoxin C11H17N3O8 that is found especially in pufferfishes and that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions
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