Anticytotoxin

/ˌæntɪsaɪtoʊˈtɒksɪn/ noun

Definition

A substance that counteracts or prevents the effects of cytotoxins, which are poisons that damage or kill cells.

Etymology

From anti- + cytotoxin. Cytotoxin combines cyto- (cell) and toxin (poison). The anticytotoxin term emerged in immunology and pharmacology as scientists studied cellular poisons and their antidotes.

Kelly Says

Some snakes produce cytotoxins in their venom to destroy cell membranes, so scientists have developed anticytotoxins—nature's own chemical arms race where prey animals or medicine makers must counter nature's poisons!

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