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Glite Dictionary
hepatotoxin

hepatotoxin

9.9
A poison that damages the liver
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛpəˈtoʊksɪn/
  • Specialized
: hepatotóxico
  • Exposure to even small amounts of the hepatotoxin can lead to severe liver damage.

Examples

  • Aflatoxin is a well-known hepatotoxin produced by certain molds.

  • Many hepatotoxins are found in certain mushrooms.

  • Researchers are studying herbal compounds to determine if any act as a hepatotoxin.

  • The hepatotoxin caused severe liver damage.

  • Aflatoxin is a well-known hepatotoxin produced by certain molds.

  • Exposure to even small amounts of the hepatotoxin can lead to severe liver damage.

  • Many hepatotoxins are found in certain mushrooms.

Surface Forms

hepatotoxin singular
hepatotoxins plural

Morphology

hepatotoxin = toxin (semi-transparent) = hepato + toxin

The element 'toxin' is clear, but 'hepato-' is a medical combining form (liver) that many B1 learners will not know, so the composition gives a clue but is somewhat specialized.

Etymology

Hepatotoxin comes from hepato-, meaning 'liver', and -toxin, meaning 'poison', the same toxin you see in 'detox'. So a hepatotoxin is a substance that is poisonous to the liver.