botulinum toxin

noun

: a neurotoxin formed by botulinum that causes botulism and that is injected in a purified form for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes (as to treat blepharospasm and reduce wrinkles)

Examples of botulinum toxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Botox is derived from botulinum toxin type A, a toxin that’s produced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025 With the Botox approach, small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the voice box muscles to stop the spasms. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025 Products like dips can be particularly risky for botulinum toxin contamination if they are not processed properly, as Clostridium botulinum thrives in low-acid, low-oxygen environments. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 The botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions, leading to muscle paralysis. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for botulinum toxin 

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of botulinum toxin was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near botulinum toxin

Cite this Entry

“Botulinum toxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulinum%20toxin. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

botulinum toxin

noun
variants also botulinus toxin
: a very powerful neurotoxin that causes botulism and is produced by the botulinum bacterium (Clostridium botulinum)
also : botulinum toxin type a

Note: Botulinum toxin acts primarily on the parasympathetic nervous system.

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