Botox

American  

[boh-toks] / ˈboʊ tɒks /

Trademark.

1. a purified form of botulinum, a neurotoxin causing botulism, injected in minute amounts especially to treat muscle spasms and relax facial muscles in order to reduce wrinkles.

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Botox British  

/ ˈbəʊtɒks /

noun

1. a preparation of botulinum toxin used to treat muscle spasm and to remove wrinkles

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Etymology

Origin of Botox

First recorded in 1980–85; blend of bo(tulinus) or bo(tulin) and tox(in)

Example Sentences

The only treatment was Botox injections in the throat to target the muscles that spasmed.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Botulinum toxin - commonly known by the brand name Botox - is more widely known for its use as a cosmetic treatment which works by blocking signals from the nerves that control the facial muscles.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

There are shops for laser facials, IV hydration and vitamin infusions, Botox and red-light therapy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Leaders said they hope that unconventional offerings such as Botox will generate enough revenue to subsidize the healthcare Planned Parenthood is best known for.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

"Ma'am! Want to get rid of those wrinkles? Better than Botox, and gluten-free!"

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda