Bacrachotoxin

/ˌbætrəkoʊˈtɒksɪn/ noun

Definition

A powerful neurotoxin produced by certain frogs and birds, particularly poison dart frogs and pitohui birds, that affects nerve function.

Etymology

From Greek 'batrachos' (frog) + 'toxikon' (poison). Discovered in toxic frogs and later found in certain birds, hence the name incorporating both sources.

Kelly Says

Batrachotoxin is one of nature's deadliest poisons—a tiny amount can paralyze a large animal—and scientists are studying it to understand how nerves work and develop pain medications!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.