Definition

A strong poison that affects the nervous system, commonly found in puffer fish and some newts, which prevents nerves from sending signals by blocking sodium ions.

Example

Tetrodotoxin is extremely dangerous and can cause paralysis if ingested.

Conversation

Did you ever hear about tetrodotoxin?

Yeah, I read it's really dangerous, especially in puffer fish.

It’s crazy how something so small can contain such a potent tetrodotoxin.

I know, right? It makes you think twice before trying exotic foods!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tetrodotoxin → It is formed from "tetra-" (from Greek "tetra", meaning four) and "odous" (from Greek "odous", meaning tooth) combined with "toxin" (from Greek "toxikon", meaning poison). The word refers to a poison derived from certain species of pufferfish, which have four teeth that can deliver this toxin.

Memory Tip

Think of 'four' ('tetra-') and 'tooth' ('odous') to remember that tetrodotoxin is a poison associated with the four teeth of pufferfish.

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