botulinum toxin
Britishnoun
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Any of several enzymes produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that are extremely potent neurotoxins. Botulinum toxin interferes with the ability of neurons to release acetylcholine at nerve-muscle junctures, thereby inducing the paralysis of botulism. Botulinum toxin is resistant to enzymatic digestion in the body and is used as an antispasmodic and a treatment for wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles.
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Also called botulin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Misuse of botulinum toxin can cause serious harm - from headaches and blurred vision to, in rare cases, respiratory failure or even death.
From BBC • Sep. 29, 2025
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is used cosmetically to temporarily smooth fine lines on the face.
From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2024
Most of the people said they got injections of botulinum toxin for cosmetic reasons.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024
Customs and Border Protection officials in Puerto Rico seized 149 vials of botulinum toxin illegally sent from South Korea, the agency announced Friday.
From Washington Times • Jul. 7, 2023
For example, these toxins may be used to induce paralysis in muscles in specific health applications, similar to the use of botulinum toxin.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
