endotoxin

[ en-doh-tok-sin ]

/ ˌɛn doʊˈtɒk sɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

the toxic protoplasm liberated when a microorganism dies and disintegrates, as in Eberthella typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever.

Nearby words

endothermic, endothoracic fascia, endothrix, endotoxemia, endotoxicosis, endotoxin, endotracheal, endotracheal anaesthesia, endotracheal intubation, endotracheal tube, endotrachelitis

Compare exotoxin.

Origin of endotoxin

First recorded in 1900–05; endo- + toxin

Related formsen·do·tox·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for endotoxin

endotoxin

/ (ˌɛndəʊˈtɒksɪn) /

noun

a toxin contained within the protoplasm of an organism, esp a bacterium, and liberated only at death

Derived Formsendotoxic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for endotoxin

endotoxin

[ ĕn′dō-tŏk′sən ]

n.

A toxin that forms an integral part of the cell wall of certain bacteria and is only released upon destruction of the bacterial cell. Endotoxins are less potent and less specific than most exotoxins and do not form toxoids.intracellular toxin

Related formsen′do•tox′ic adj.