Neurotoxin

/ˌnʊərəˈtɒksɪn/ noun

Definition

A poisonous substance that damages nerve cells or the nervous system, causing paralysis, death, or neurological disease.

Etymology

From Greek 'neuro-' (nerve) + Latin 'toxicum' (poison). A modern scientific term combining traditional Greek anatomical terminology with Latin pharmaceutical language.

Kelly Says

Snake venom is essentially a carefully crafted cocktail of neurotoxins—a cobra's toxin paralyzes you by blocking communication between nerves and muscles, which is why victims stop breathing.

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