Toxin
(noun)
- A poison or other harmful substance produced by living organisms.
- A toxic substance that can cause harm or death to living organisms.
Origin:
The word toxin comes from the greek word "toxikon" which means poison for arrows.
Examples:
- The bacteria produces a potent toxin that can cause severe food poisoning.
- The venom of the snake contains several different toxins.
- The shellfish contains a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause paralysis.
- The toxin can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
- A tetanus toxin is produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani.