neurotoxin

American  

[noor-oh-tok-sin, nyoor-, noor-oh-tok-, nyoor-] / ˈnʊər oʊˌtɒk sɪn, ˈnyʊər-, ˌnʊər oʊˈtɒk-, ˌnyʊər- /

noun

1. a neurotoxic substance, as rattlesnake venom or the poison of a black widow spider.

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neurotoxin British  

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. any of several natural substances that interfere with the electrical activities of nerves, thus preventing them from functioning

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Other Word Forms

• neurotoxic adjective

Etymology

Origin of neurotoxin

First recorded in 1900–05; neuro- + toxin

Example Sentences

"A neurotoxin, a radioactive substance, or a toxic substance is much more frightening than an explosive or being shot to death."

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

"In one experiment, we use a neurotoxin to disable the sympathetic nervous system," Nigri says.

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2026

But a recent FAA-funded study found two chemicals that can: formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and neurotoxin, and tridecane, which can cause headaches and stupor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 14, 2025

Their work, detailed in the journal Cell, identified two broadly neutralising antibodies that could target two classes of neurotoxin.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

Some difficulty in breathing can occur, especially if large amounts of neurotoxin are present in the venom.

From Natural History of Cottonmouth Moccasin, Agkistrodon piscovorus (Reptilia) by Burkett, Ray D.