botulinum toxin [ˌbɒtjʊˈlaɪnəm]
n
(Medicine) a pharmaceutical formulation of botulin used in minute doses to treat various forms of muscle spasm and for the cosmetic removal of wrinkles See Botox
botulinum toxin (b ch  -l  nm) Any of several enzymes produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that are extremely potent neurotoxins. Botulinum toxin interferes with the ability of neurons to release acetylcholine at nerve-muscle junctures, thereby inducing the paralysis of botulism. Botulinum toxin is resistant to enzymatic digestion in the body and is used as an antispasmodic and a treatment for wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles. Also called botulin. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | botulinum toxin - any of several neurotoxins that are produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum; causes muscle paralysis Botox, botulinum toxin A - a neurotoxin (trade name Botox) that is used clinically in small quantities to treat strabismus and facial spasms and other neurological disorders characterized by abnormal muscle contractions; is also used by cosmetic surgeons to smooth frown lines temporarily neurolysin, neurotoxin - any toxin that affects neural tissues |
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