Toxin: meaning, definitions and examples
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toxin
[ ˈtɒksɪn ]
chemical compound
A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms that can cause harm when introduced into the body. Toxins can be found in various forms, such as bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi. They can affect different systems in the body, leading to symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness or even death.
Synonyms
poison, toxic substance, venom.
Examples of usage
- Toxins produced by certain bacteria can cause food poisoning.
- The venom of some snakes contains toxins that can be lethal to humans.
Translations
Translations of the word "toxin" in other languages:
🇵🇹 toxina
🇮🇳 ज़हर
🇩🇪 Toxin
🇮🇩 toksin
🇺🇦 токсин
🇵🇱 toksyna
🇯🇵 毒素 (どくそ, dokuso)
🇫🇷 toxine
🇪🇸 toxina
🇹🇷 toksin
🇰🇷 독소 (독, dokso)
🇸🇦 سم
🇨🇿 toxin
🇸🇰 toxín
🇨🇳 毒素 (dúsù)
🇸🇮 toksin
🇮🇸 eitur
🇰🇿 токсин
🇬🇪 ტოქსინი
🇦🇿 toksin
🇲🇽 toxina
Etymology
The word 'toxin' originated from the Latin word 'toxicum', meaning 'poison'. The concept of toxins has been recognized for centuries, with early civilizations aware of the harmful effects of certain substances. The study of toxins and their impact on living organisms has led to advancements in medicine, toxicology, and environmental science.
See also: toxicant, toxication, toxicity, toxicosis.