Toxin: meaning, definitions and examples

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toxin

 

[ ˈtɒksɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,715, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.