Epitheliotoxin

/ˌɛpɪˌθɛliəˈtɑːksɪn/ noun

Definition

A toxin or poisonous substance that damages or destroys epithelial cells.

Etymology

From epithelium + toxin (Greek toxikon 'poison for arrows'). This technical term combines descriptors of the target and the harmful agent.

Kelly Says

Snake venom is one example of a natural epitheliotoxin—it damages the cell lining of a bite victim's blood vessels and tissue, which is why venom causes swelling and tissue death!

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