HETEROTOXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Heterotoxin refers to a toxic substance or poison that originates from an external source and is introduced into a living organism, either by ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin. This term is often used in the context of microbiology and toxicology to describe toxins produced by various bacteria, fungi, plants, or animals, which possess the ability to cause harm or adversely affect the health of other organisms.
Heterotoxins can vary widely in their physical and chemical properties, as well as their mechanisms of action. Some heterotoxins, such as those produced by certain pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium botulinum or Corynebacterium diphtheriae, can cause severe illness or death in humans and animals by targeting specific organs or systems within the body. These toxins often work by interfering with vital cellular processes, disrupting normal physiological functions, or inducing an immune response.
It is important to note that heterotoxins can have diverse effects on different organisms, and their potency can vary significantly. For example, certain toxins that are harmless or relatively benign to one species may be lethal to another. Studies and research in the field of toxicology aim to understand the composition, properties, and modes of action of heterotoxins, as well as develop countermeasures or treatments to mitigate their harmful effects on humans, animals, and the environment.
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A toxin introduced into the body from without.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HETEROTOXIN
- geterotoxin
- beterotoxin
- jeterotoxin
- ueterotoxin
- yeterotoxin
- hwterotoxin
- hsterotoxin
- hdterotoxin
- hrterotoxin
- h4terotoxin
- h3terotoxin
- hererotoxin
- heferotoxin
- hegerotoxin
- heyerotoxin
- he6erotoxin
- he5erotoxin
- hetwrotoxin
- hetsrotoxin
- hetdrotoxin
Etymology of HETEROTOXIN
The word "heterotoxin" is formed by combining the prefix "hetero-" and the suffix "-toxin".
The prefix "hetero-" is derived from the Greek word "heteros", meaning "different" or "other". It is commonly used in English to signify something that is diverse or of a different kind.
The suffix "-toxin" is derived from the Greek word "toxikon", meaning "poison" or "arrow poison". It is used to denote substances that are toxic or poisonous.
Therefore, the word "heterotoxin" combines these two elements to indicate a type of toxin that is different or separate from others.
