Mycotoxin - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A mycotoxin is a toxic substance produced by certain molds that can contaminate food and crops, posing health risks to humans and animals if ingested or inhaled.
Definition:
Toxic substance produced by fungi, harmful to humans and animals.
Synonyms:
fungal toxin, mold toxin, aflatoxin
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
antidote, nutrient
Common Collocations:
food contamination, agricultural products, health risks
Derivatives:
mycotoxigenic, mycotoxicity
Usage Tips:
Use "mycotoxin" when discussing toxins from molds in food or environmental contexts.
Common Phrases:
mycotoxin exposure, mycotoxin poisoning, mycotoxin detection
Etymology:
From Greek "mykes" (fungus) + "toxikon" (poison).
Examples:
- 1. Moldy grains often contain dangerous mycotoxins.
- 2. Farmers test crops for mycotoxin contamination regularly.
- 3. Mycotoxins can cause severe health problems in livestock.
- 4. Proper storage reduces mycotoxin formation in food.
- 5. Scientists study mycotoxins to improve food safety standards.