endotoxin

American  

[en-doh-tok-sin] / ˌɛn doʊˈtɒk sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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endotoxin British  

/ ˌɛndəʊˈtɒksɪn /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• endotoxic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of endotoxin

First recorded in 1900–05; endo- + toxin

Compare meaning

How does endotoxin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endotoxin vs. exotoxin

Example Sentences

"Endotoxins significantly decreased in homes where cockroaches were eliminated. This paper shows that the cockroach is the most important depositor of endotoxin in infested homes."

From Science Daily • Nov. 4, 2025

After the pharmacist first testified the drugs are tested for endotoxins, the investigation found he later said he didn’t know endotoxin testing was required, Henry wrote.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2023

“As it is now, the entire supply chain for endotoxin testing of drugs rests upon the harvest of a vulnerable or near extinct sea creature,” Williams said.

From Washington Post • Jul. 30, 2021

Lonza said its rFC product, PyroGene, now accounts for less than 5 percent of its endotoxin test sales but sees fortunes changing as global pharmacopoeias act.

From Reuters • Aug. 1, 2019

There is nothing intrinsically poisonous about endotoxin, but it must look awful, or feel awful, when sensed by cells.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas