Definition

A harmful substance made by certain bacteria that affects the intestines, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, often seen in food poisoning.

Example

The enterotoxin released by the bacteria caused severe gastrointestinal distress in the patients.

Conversation

Have you heard about that recent food poisoning outbreak?

Yeah, I read that it was caused by an enterotoxin from some bad food.

That's really concerning! I always worry about food safety when eating out.

Same here! It's important to know what we’re consuming.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Enterotoxin is formed from "entero-" (from Greek "enteron", meaning intestine) and "toxin" (from Greek "toxikon", meaning poison). The word refers to a poison that affects the intestines.

Memory Tip

Think of 'entero-' meaning intestine and 'toxin' meaning poison — enterotoxin is a poison that specifically affects the intestines.

Visually Confused Words