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Definition of "saxitoxin" []

  • A potent neurotoxin produced by certain dinoflagellates that accumulates in shellfish feeding on these organisms and consequently causes food poisoning in humans who eat the shellfish. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "saxitoxin" in a sentence
  • "The toxin, known as saxitoxin, disrupts normal nerve functions and can cause paralysis and death by respiratory failure within two to 24 hours, Sea Fisheries said in a statement."
  • "The poison implicated was called saxitoxin and is thought to build up in puffers through the mollusks, clams, mussels and scallops they eat."
  • "Since rapid onset of symptoms after a meal of pufferfish could indicate saxitoxin poisoning; it is recommended to call the local poison control center and go to the nearest hospital ED for evaluation. 9"
Words like "saxitoxin"