noun
- a substance or agent that is toxic or poisonous to cells, causing cell damage or death
Usage: technical; biology/medicine
Examples
- The researchers studied how the cytotoxin affected cancer cell growth in the laboratory.
- Certain bacterial cytotoxins can destroy the lining of the intestines.
- The drug was designed to act as a cytotoxin against tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
- Immune cells release cytotoxins to eliminate infected or abnormal cells.
- The venom contains a powerful cytotoxin that breaks down cell membranes.