endotoxin

[ en-doh-tok-sin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

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

endotoxin

/ ˌɛndəʊˈtɒksɪn /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌendoˈtoxic, adjective

Other Words From

• endo·toxic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endotoxin¹

First recorded in 1900–05; endo- + toxin

Example Sentences

Because the endotoxin wasn’t actually attached to a pathogen, the study subjects’ immune systems eventually settled down.

From Time

Study subjects injected with the endotoxin were given T-shirts to wear over a few hours to capture their body odor.

From Time