: a soluble poisonous substance produced during growth of a microorganism and released into the surrounding medium

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exotoxin was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Exotoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exotoxin. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: a soluble poisonous substance produced during growth of a microorganism and released into the surrounding medium
tetanus exotoxin
compare endotoxin

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