tetrodotoxin

noun

te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrō-də-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce tetrodotoxin (audio)
: a neurotoxin C11H17N3O8 found especially in puffer fish that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions

Examples of tetrodotoxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fish’s organs, skin, blood and bones contain high concentrations of tetrodotoxin, a deadly poison. — Chris Lau, CNN, 25 June 2024 Pufferfish secrete tetrodotoxin, which can inhibit the victim’s nervous system and is lethal in large doses. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024 Their salivary glands are full of symbiotic bacteria, which pump out a deadly poison called tetrodotoxin, or TTX for short. — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025 At least five toxins were detected in his body, including deadly poisons such as mercury and tetrodotoxin, according to reports from Chinese media. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tetrodotoxin

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary tetrodo- (from New Latin Tetrodon, genus of tropical marine fishes) + toxin

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetrodotoxin was in 1911

Rhymes for tetrodotoxin

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Browse Nearby Words

Tetrodontidae
tetrodotoxin
tetrolic acid
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Cite this Entry

“Tetrodotoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetrodotoxin. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

tetrodotoxin

noun
te·​tro·​do·​tox·​in te-ˌtrōd-ə-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce tetrodotoxin (audio)
: a neurotoxin C11H17N3O8 that is found especially in pufferfishes and that blocks nerve conduction by suppressing permeability of the nerve fiber to sodium ions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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