endotoxin
UK/.endә'tɒksin/US
TOEFLC2
Definitions
n.
A toxin contained inside certain bacteria and released only when the cell breaks down or dies.
内毒素：存在于某些细菌体内、只有在细胞破裂或死亡时才释放的毒素。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedendo- (inside) + tox (poison) + -in (substance) = a poison kept inside the bacterium. Unlike an exotoxin, which a living cell secretes outward, an endotoxin is locked in the cell wall and escapes only when the bacterium dies and falls apart. The prefix endo-/exo- tells you which way the poison goes.
Root tox still carries 5 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
When the bacteria die, they release an endotoxin that can trigger fever.
- 2.
Endotoxin contamination is a serious concern in making injectable drugs.