TOXOID Meaning and
Definition
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A toxoid is a type of immunological product derived from a bacterial or viral toxin that has been chemically modified to remove its toxic properties while retaining its ability to stimulate the immune system. The term "toxoid" is derived from the words "toxin" and "oid," which means similar to or resembling.
Toxoids are created through the process of detoxification, wherein the toxin is treated with chemicals or heat to denature its poisonous characteristics without destroying its antigenic capabilities. The resulting toxoid is no longer harmful but still serves as an effective immunogen, capable of eliciting an immune response in the body.
Toxoids play a crucial role in immunization and disease prevention. They are used as vaccine components to confer immunity against certain bacterial or viral infections. When administered, toxoids stimulate the production of antibodies by the immune system, which recognize and neutralize the toxin's natural form if exposed to it in the future.
Common examples of toxoid-based vaccines include the tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. By introducing toxoids for these diseases into the body, individuals are protected from the harmful effects of the actual toxins produced by the bacteria, which can cause severe illness or even death.
In summary, toxoids are chemically modified forms of toxins that retain their ability to induce an immune response while no longer being harmful. They are crucial components of vaccines that provide protection against various bacterial or viral infections by stimulating the production of specific antibodies.
Common Misspellings for TOXOID
- roxoid
- foxoid
- goxoid
- yoxoid
- 6oxoid
- 5oxoid
- tixoid
- tkxoid
- tlxoid
- tpxoid
- t0xoid
- t9xoid
- tocoid
- toxiid
- toxkid
- toxlid
- toxpid
- tox0id
- tox9id
Etymology of TOXOID
The word "toxoid" is derived from the combination of two components: "toxo-" and "-oid".
"Toxo-" comes from the Greek word "toxon" (τοξον), which means "bow" or "arrow". It is also related to the Greek verb "toxikos" (τοξικός), meaning "pertaining to arrows". This root has been associated with toxic substances due to the historical use of poisonous arrows in warfare.
The suffix "-oid" is derived from the Greek word "-oeides" (-οειδής), which means "resembling" or "having the shape of". It is commonly used to describe something that has a similar appearance or structure to the term it is attached to.
Combining these two components, "toxoid" refers to a substance that resembles or has a similar nature to a toxin.
Similar spelling word for TOXOID
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