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neurotoxin

noun
neu·​ro·​tox·​in | \ ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce neurotoxin (audio) , ˌnyu̇r-\

Definition of neurotoxin

: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about neurotoxin

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Did You Know?

The nervous system is almost all-powerful in the body: all five senses depend on it, as do breathing, digestion, and the heart. So it's an obvious target for poisons, and neurotoxins have developed as weapons in many animals, including snakes, bees, and spiders. Some wasps use a neurotoxin to paralyze their prey so that it can be stored alive to be eaten later. Snake venom is often neurotoxic (as in cobras and coral snakes, for example), though it may instead be hemotoxic (as in rattlesnakes and coppermouths), operating on the circulatory system. Artificial neurotoxins, called nerve agents, have been developed by scientists as means of chemical warfare; luckily, few have ever been used.

Examples of neurotoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Scientists found low levels of a neurotoxin in the blue-green algae found near Rose Bud Lake that if ingested by animals could cause a number of side effects and symptoms, including excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. — Michelle Iracheta, Houston Chronicle, "Austin officials warn of blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake that could kill dogs," 12 Aug. 2019 The neurotoxins produced by harmful algae blooms can cause massive fish kills, with dead fish washing up on shores by the thousands. — Jenny Howard, National Geographic, "Red tides, explained," 5 July 2019 Running or moving quickly will increase your heart rate, which will allow the neurotoxin in the venom to travel through your system faster. — Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Rattlesnake season is here. Be prepared.," 28 June 2019 The birds were all killed by a neurotoxin called Avitrol. — oregonlive.com, "Portland bans use of bird poison on city property after crow deaths," 5 June 2019 Lead-bearing particles detached from the pipe walls, and 100,000 residents interacted daily with the destructive neurotoxin. — Dustin Renwick, National Geographic, "Five years on, the Flint water crisis is nowhere near over," 25 Apr. 2019 Mercury is a deadly neurotoxin that, when emitted from a coal plant, can end up in nearby water and soil. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "EPA Wants To Hollow Out Regulations That Safeguard Against Mercury Poisoning," 28 Dec. 2018 One jellyfish can have from 60 to 90 tentacles containing stinging cells that deliver the painful neurotoxin. — Frank Kummer, https://www.inquirer.com, "Clinging jellyfish, known for excruciating stings, found in North Wildwood salt pond near inlet," 4 June 2019 Pound for pound — or nanogram for nanogram, as is the case — the neurotoxin botulinum, produced by bacteria, is the deadliest substance known. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Poison," 25 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neurotoxin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of neurotoxin

1902, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for neurotoxin

borrowed from French névrotoxine, from névro- neuro- + toxine toxin

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More Definitions for neurotoxin

neurotoxin

noun
neu·​ro·​tox·​in | \ -ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce neurotoxin (audio) \

Medical Definition of neurotoxin

: a poisonous substance (such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxin) that acts on the nervous system and disrupts the normal function of nerve cells

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