Aflatoxin – Definition & Meaning

Aflatoxin is a toxic compound that is produced by certain types of fungi. It is commonly found in crops such as peanuts, corn, and cottonseed. Aflatoxin is a serious health concern as it can cause liver damage and cancer in humans and animals.

Definitions

Aflatoxin is a type of mycotoxin that is produced by certain species of fungi. It is a toxic compound that can cause serious health problems in humans and animals.

Origin

Aflatoxin was first discovered in the 1960s when researchers were investigating the cause of a disease outbreak in turkeys. They found that the turkeys had been fed contaminated peanuts that contained aflatoxin.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, aflatoxin is defined as “any of several toxic substances produced by molds of the genus Aspergillus that are found especially in peanuts, corn, and cottonseed and can cause liver damage and cancer.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines aflatoxin as “a highly toxic carcinogenic substance produced by certain fungi, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, that grow on peanuts, corn, and other crops.”

Associations

Aflatoxin is associated with a number of health problems, including liver damage, cancer, and immune system suppression. It is also associated with economic losses due to crop contamination.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for aflatoxin include mycotoxin, Aspergillus toxin, and fungal toxin.

Antonyms

There are no antonyms for aflatoxin as it is a specific compound and not a general concept.

The same root words

There are no other words that share the same root as aflatoxin.

Example Sentences

1. The peanut butter was recalled due to high levels of aflatoxin contamination.
2. Aflatoxin exposure can lead to liver cancer and other serious health problems.
3. Farmers must take precautions to prevent aflatoxin contamination in their crops.
4. The FDA has strict regulations on the allowable levels of aflatoxin in food products.
5. The presence of aflatoxin in animal feed can lead to decreased milk and egg production.