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Translation

bacterial toxin

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Word: Bacterial Toxin

Definition:
A bacterial toxin is a harmful substance produced by bacteria. These toxins can be either part of the bacteria (endotoxins) or released into the environment (exotoxins). They can cause illness in humans, animals, or plants.

Usage Instructions
  • Part of Speech: Noun
  • Countability: It is generally uncountable, but you can say "bacterial toxins" when referring to more than one type.
Example Sentence
  • "The doctor explained that the symptoms of food poisoning were caused by bacterial toxins produced by the spoiled food."
Advanced Usage

In scientific contexts, you might find discussions about how specific bacterial toxins work, their effects on the body, and how they can be treated or neutralized. For example: - "Researchers are studying the mechanisms by which bacterial toxins disrupt cellular processes."

Word Variants
  • Toxin (noun): A general term for any poisonous substance.
  • Bacteria (noun): The plural form of bacterium; single-celled organisms, some of which can produce toxins.
  • Toxic (adjective): Describing something that is poisonous or harmful.
Different Meanings
  • Endotoxin: A type of bacterial toxin that is part of the cell wall of certain bacteria and is released when the bacteria die.
  • Exotoxin: A type of bacterial toxin that is actively secreted by living bacteria into their surroundings.
Synonyms
  • Poison
  • Venom (used more commonly in the context of animals)
  • Contaminant (in a broader sense)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "bacterial toxin," you may encounter phrases associated with health and illness, such as: - "Under the weather": Feeling ill, which could be caused by bacterial toxins. - "Fight off": To resist or combat an illness, such as fighting off the effects of a bacterial toxin.

Conclusion

Understanding the term "bacterial toxin" is important, especially in discussions about health, medicine, and biology.

Noun
  1. any endotoxin or exotoxin formed in or elaborated by bacterial cells

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