antitoxin

[ an-ti-tok-sin, an-tee- ]

noun

1. a substance, formed in the body, that counteracts a specific toxin.
2. the antibody formed in immunization with a given toxin, used in treating certain infectious diseases or in immunizing against them.

antitoxin

/ ˌæntɪˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. an antibody that neutralizes a toxin
2. blood serum that contains a specific antibody

antitoxin

/ ăn′tē-tŏk′sĭn,ăn′tī- /

1. An antibody formed in response to and capable of neutralizing a specific toxin of biological origin.
2. Compare toxin
3. An animal or human serum containing antitoxins, used to prevent or treat diseases caused by biological toxins, such as tetanus, botulism, and diphtheria.

Derived Forms

• ˌantiˈtoxic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antitoxin¹

First recorded in 1890–95; anti- + toxin

Example Sentences

As to the use of antitoxin as a preventive and cure for diphtheria, too much praise cannot be given to that wonderful discovery.

From Project Gutenberg

Reliable diphtheria antitoxin, used in proper quantity and early enough, is almost an absolute cure.

From Project Gutenberg

If you find a physician opposed to the use of antitoxin this simply means that he is a quack.

From Project Gutenberg

The use of antitoxin, which prevents annually many thousands of deaths from diphtheria, does not help us in many other diseases.

From Project Gutenberg

Previous to April 1, 1905, there was no official standard for measuring the strength of diphtheria antitoxin.

From Project Gutenberg