Hemotoxin

/ˌhiːmoʊˈtɑːksɪn/ noun

Definition

A poisonous substance or toxin that specifically damages or destroys blood cells and blood vessels, causing bleeding or anemia.

Etymology

From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'toxikon' (poison). Compound term naming toxins that specifically target blood components.

Kelly Says

Some of the most dangerous spider venoms are hemotoxins that eat away at human flesh by destroying blood vessels, which is why a bite from certain spiders can cause tissue damage that spreads over days.

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