toxin
- A poisonous substance, especially one that is produced by living cells or organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or animals. nounThe bacteria produce a toxin that can cause severe illness in humans.Some snakes inject a toxin through their fangs to immobilize their prey.
- Any substance that is harmful or lethal to living organisms, often used more broadly to refer to pollutants or chemicals that can cause harm. nounThe factory was fined for releasing toxins into the river.Detox diets claim to rid the body of toxins, but their effectiveness is debated.