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Glite Dictionary
botulinum toxin A

botulinum toxin A

6.0
A medicine made from germs that relaxes muscles to treat muscle tightness and reduce wrinkles
  • noun
  • /ˌbɒtʃəˈlaɪnəm ˈtɒksɪn eɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : toxina botulínica A
  • In addition, the indications for using botulinum toxin A (Botox) in the larynx have expanded during the past decade.

Examples

  • Many people choose botulinum toxin A treatments to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.

  • Doctors often use botulinum toxin A to help patients with muscle disorders find relief.

  • The cosmetic industry has popularized botulinum toxin A as an effective way to achieve a smoother complexion.

Synonyms

Botox
vsbotulinum toxin A
  • Specialized
42 4.6

A medicine doctors inject to relax face muscles and reduce wrinkles

is the specific neurotoxin type used broadly in medical and cosmetic treatments
botulin
vsbotulinum toxin A
  • NSFW
1 9.9

A very strong poison made by bacteria that causes deadly food poisoning

is the safe medical application used in controlled cosmetic and therapeutic doses
botulinum toxin
vsbotulinum toxin A
  • Specialized
1 7.5

A very strong poison made by bacteria that stops muscles from working and that doctors use to relax them

is a specific subtype used in cosmetic surgery and for muscle disorders
botulinus toxin
vsbotulinum toxin A
  • NSFW
8.5

A dangerous poison made by bacteria that stops muscles from working and can kill, used in tiny medical doses

is a specific medical subtype used intentionally for cosmetic and muscle treatments
botulismotoxin
vsbotulinum toxin A
  • NSFW
9.9

A very strong poison made by bacteria that causes a serious illness of the nerves

is the controlled cosmetic medical form used to reduce wrinkles and treat muscles

Surface Forms

botulinum toxin A singular
botulinum toxin As plural

Morphology

botulinum + toxin + a

The compound literally names a toxin produced by the bacterium botulinum of subtype A, so a learner who knows 'botulinum' and 'toxin' can infer it is a specific bacterial toxin. However, the common therapeutic/cosmetic usage (Botox) and the fact that a 'toxin' can be used medically are not derivable from the parts, and the letter 'A' as a subtype label may be unclear to B1 learners, making the expression only partially predictable.

Etymology

Botulinum toxin A gets its name from an old Latin word 'botulus' meaning 'sausage', because early cases of the poisoning were linked to rotten sausages and people named the germ botulinum after that. Today, Botulinum toxin A is used in very small amounts as a medicine, often called 'Botox', to relax muscles and reduce wrinkles.