ochratoxin

[ oh-kruh-tok-sin ]

noun

1. a toxin produced by Aspergillus ochraceus and several other molds that commonly contaminate cereal grains: causes intestinal inflammation and kidney and liver degeneration when ingested by animals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ochratoxin¹

1970–75; < New Latin ochra ( ceus ) specific epithet of the mold, literally, like ocher ( ocher, -aceous ) + toxin

Example Sentences

Unfiltered fermented grapes make ochratoxin-A, a neurotoxic, carcinogenic, immunosuppressive compound.

From The Daily Beast