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Glite Dictionary
animal toxin

animal toxin

4.7
A poison that animals make, for example snake or jellyfish venom
  • noun
  • /ˈænɪməl ˈtɑksɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : toxina animal
  • Some animal toxins can be harmful to humans, leading to a need for antivenom in case of bites.

Examples

  • Scientists studied the effects of the animal toxin found in jellyfish venom.

  • Some animal toxins are being investigated for their potential use in medicine.

  • The snake's animal toxin can cause paralysis in its prey.

  • The animal toxin caused severe reactions in humans.

  • Some animal toxins can be lethal if ingested.

  • Researchers are studying various animal toxins to develop new medicines that can target diseases more effectively.

  • The venom of certain snakes contains animal toxins that can cause paralysis in their prey.

Synonyms

toxin
vsanimal toxin
  • Specialized
140 5.3

A poisonous substance that some animals, plants, or bacteria make

is the harmful product made by creatures often similar to bacterial versions
venom
vsanimal toxin
50 4.6

A poison some animals inject when they bite or sting

is produced by creatures but not limited to injection methods
biotoxin
vsanimal toxin
  • Specialized
3 7.9

A poisonous substance made by a living thing like a plant, animal, or germ

is specifically the harmful product of creatures rather than all living sources
poisonous substance
vsanimal toxin
1 4.4

Something that can cause serious harm or death when swallowed, touched and breathed

is a harmful material from creatures rather than any dangerous chemical
toxicant
vsanimal toxin
  • Specialized
1 9.5

A poisonous substance that can harm people and animals

is similar but emphasizes that it comes from creatures rather than all sources
zootoxin
vsanimal toxin
  • Specialized
9.9

Poison that animals produce, often from snakes or jellyfish

is the harmful product made by creatures often similar to bacterial versions

How Toxic

venom
50 4.6
animal toxin
  • Specialized
4.7
poison
367 2.1

Surface Forms

animal toxin singular
animal toxins plural

Morphology

animal + toxin

The meaning 'a poisonous substance produced by an animal' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'animal' (an organism) and 'toxin' (a toxic substance). This compound follows standard compositional noun + noun patterns found in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Animal toxin simply joins animal and toxin to name a poison made by a creature. People began using 'toxin' for harmful substances made by living things, so animal toxin now means a 'poison' produced by an animal.