endotoxin [en-doh-tok -sin]
Word Origin
the toxic protoplasm liberated when a microorganism dies and disintegrates, as in Eberthella typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever. Show More
Origin of endotoxin First recorded in
1900–05; endo- +
toxin Related forms en·do·tox·ic , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for endotoxin a toxin contained within the protoplasm of an organism, esp a bacterium, and liberated only at death Show More
Derived Forms endotoxic , adjective Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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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 Show More
Related forms en′do•tox′ ic adj. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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