bufadienolide

[byoo-fuh-dahy-en-l-ahyd]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a family of steroid lactones, occurring in toad venom and squill, that possess cardiac-stimulating and antitumor activity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bufadienolide¹

1965–70; from bufa-20, 22-dienolide a chemical component of such lactones; compare Latin būfō toad

Example Sentences

Photo by Deborah Hutchinson An Asian relative of the gartersnake, Rhabdophis tigrinus, was conclusively shown to sequester bufadienolide toxins from toads in 2007 by Debbie Hutchinson and colleagues, although it was suspected for years beforehand.

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That suggests that bluetongue lineages from mother-of-millions areas have built up a resistance to bufadienolide over time.

Read more on Science Magazine