botulinum toxin
- a pharmaceutical formulation of botulin used in minute doses to treat various forms of muscle spasm and for the cosmetic removal of wrinklesSee Botox
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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botulinum toxin
[bŏch′ə-lī′nəm]
- 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. Also called botulin
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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