neurotoxin

American  

[noor-oh-tok-sin, nyoor-, noor-oh-tok-, nyoor-] / ˈnʊər oʊˌtɒk sɪn, ˈnjʊər-, ˌnʊər oʊˈtɒk-, ˌnjʊər- /

noun

1. a neurotoxic substance, as rattlesnake venom or the poison of a black widow spider.

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neurotoxin British  

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. any of several natural substances that interfere with the electrical activities of nerves, thus preventing them from functioning

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Other Word Forms

• neurotoxic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of neurotoxin

First recorded in 1900–05; neuro- + toxin

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

neurotoxin

“In animal studies, acrylamide has been shown to be a neurotoxin that can also cause cancer,” the report explains.

From Slate ● Sep. 14, 2026

“We’re going to be the first company with a neurotoxin which is not just working in chronic migraine, but also in episodic migraine,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can stunt the brain development and lead to behavioral issues in young children that inhale or ingest it.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

"A neurotoxin, a radioactive substance, or a toxic substance is much more frightening than an explosive or being shot to death."

From Barron's ● Feb. 16, 2026

These authors conclude that the nervous and mental symptoms, instead of being due to some peculiar "neurotoxin," are probably uremic in character.

From Food Poisoning by Edwin Oakes Jordan

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