aflatoxin

[ af-luh-tok-sin ]

noun

1. any of various related mycotoxins produced by a species of Aspergillus, commonly A. flavus, found as a contaminant in moldy grains and meals, as in rice and peanut meal, and suspected of causing liver cancer in humans and other animals.

aflatoxin

/ ˌæfləˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. a toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus growing on peanuts, maize, etc, causing liver disease (esp cancer) in man

Word History and Origins

Origin of aflatoxin¹

1960–65; A(spergillus) fla(vus) (species name; aspergillus, flavo- ) + toxin

Word History and Origins

Origin of aflatoxin¹

C20: from A ( spergillus ) fla ( vus ) + toxin