Neurotoxin
/ˈnʊər.əʊˌtɒk.sɪn/noun
A toxin that affects the nervous system.
Did you know?Many neurotoxins, like those from certain snakes and spiders, can cause paralysis or even death by blocking nerve signals, showcasing the dark side of nature's chemistry.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
νεῦρον (neuron)
“nerve, sinew”
Late Latin
Latin
toxicum
“poison, toxin”
19th Century
English
neurotoxin
“a substance that affects nerve cells, coined from Greek and Latin roots.”
Modern English
English
neurotoxin
“a modern term used to describe various poisonous substances that target the nervous system.”