botulinum toxin

British  

/ ˌbɒtjʊˈlaɪnəm /

noun

1. a pharmaceutical formulation of botulin used in minute doses to treat various forms of muscle spasm and for the cosmetic removal of wrinkles See Botox

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botulinum toxin Scientific  

/ bŏch′ə-lī′nəm /

1. Any of several enzymes produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that are extremely potent neurotoxins. Botulinum toxin interferes with the ability of neurons to release acetylcholine at nerve-muscle junctures, thereby inducing the paralysis of botulism. Botulinum toxin is resistant to enzymatic digestion in the body and is used as an antispasmodic and a treatment for wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles.

2. Also called botulin

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Example Sentences

Under UK law, only a doctor, prescribing nurse or pharmacist, or dentist is legally allowed to prescribe botulinum toxin - commonly known as Botox – after an appropriate face-to-face clinical assessment.

From BBC

The Korean vials were unlicensed botulinum toxin products, marketed as having the same wrinkle-smoothing effect.

From BBC

She says that having botulinum toxin injected at such an early age risks building up a tolerance to it.

From BBC

The product is made from small, purified doses of botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

From BBC

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is used cosmetically to temporarily smooth fine lines on the face.

From Los Angeles Times