Neurotoxin

Pronunciation: /noo-ROH-tok-sin/

Category: Toxicology

Singular: Neurotoxin

Plural: Neurotoxins

Definition

A toxic substance that affects the nervous system.

Etymology

From Greek 'neuron', meaning 'nerve', and 'toxikon', meaning 'poison'.

Example

The venom of many spiders contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis.

Related Terms

Venom
Poison
Synapse

Usage Notes

Neurotoxins can have a variety of effects on the nervous system, including disrupting nerve impulses, causing muscle paralysis, and affecting brain function.