endotoxin
[ en-doh-tok-sin ]
/ ˌɛn doʊˈtɒk sɪn /
noun Biochemistry.
the toxic protoplasm liberated when a microorganism dies and disintegrates, as in Eberthella typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever.
Compare
exotoxin.
OTHER WORDS FROM endotoxin
en·do·tox·ic, adjectiveWords nearby endotoxin
British Dictionary definitions for endotoxin
endotoxin
/ (ˌɛndəʊˈtɒksɪn) /
noun
a toxin contained within the protoplasm of an organism, esp a bacterium, and liberated only at death
Derived forms of endotoxin
endotoxic, adjectiveMedical definitions for endotoxin
endotoxin
[ ĕn′dō-tŏk′sən ]
n.
A toxin that forms an integral part of the cell wall of certain bacteria and is only released upon destruction of the bacterial cell. Endotoxins are less potent and less specific than most exotoxins and do not form toxoids.
intracellular toxin