Antitoxin
/ˌæn.tiˈtɒk.sɪn/noun
A substance that counteracts a toxin, especially one produced in the body as an immune response.
Did you know?The word was coined in the late 19th century during the era of diphtheria serum therapy, when scientists realized the body could generate a specific counterforce to poison-like toxins.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
toxikon
“poison for arrows; later, poison”
Late 19th Century
English
antitoxin
“a substance that counteracts a toxin”
Modern English
English
antitoxin
“an antibody or other agent that neutralizes a toxin”
Ancient Greek
Greek
anti-
“against; opposite to”
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