aflatoxin
|af-la-tox-in|
C1
/ˈæfləˌtɒksɪn/
toxic mold compound
Etymology
Etymology Information
'aflatoxin' originates from the combination of 'A. flavus,' a species of mold, and 'toxin,' indicating its toxic nature.
Historical Evolution
'A. flavus' and 'toxin' combined to form the modern English word 'aflatoxin.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the toxic compounds produced by molds, and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a toxic compound produced by certain molds, especially Aspergillus species, found in food and animal feed, and known to cause liver damage and cancer.
The presence of aflatoxin in peanuts can pose a serious health risk.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/24 21:51