anaphylatoxin
|a-na-phy-la-tox-in|
🇺🇸
/ˌænəˌfɪləˈtɑksɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˌænəˌfɪləˈtɒksɪn/
immune-triggered inflammatory toxin
Etymology
'anaphylatoxin' originates from Greek and modern scientific Latin, specifically from 'anaphylaxis' (from Greek 'ana-' meaning 'again' and 'phylaxis' meaning 'protection') and 'toxin' (from Greek 'toxikon' meaning 'poison').
'anaphylatoxin' was coined in the early 20th century as scientific understanding of immune responses and toxins developed, combining 'anaphylaxis' and 'toxin' to describe substances causing anaphylactic symptoms.
Initially, it referred specifically to substances causing anaphylactic shock, but now it more broadly refers to any complement-derived peptide that triggers inflammation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance produced in the body during certain immune reactions, especially as part of the complement system, that can cause inflammation and allergic responses.
Anaphylatoxin is released during severe allergic reactions.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/29 20:21