aflatoxin

noun

af·​la·​tox·​in ˌa-flə-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce aflatoxin (audio)
: any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced especially in stored agricultural crops (such as peanuts) by molds (such as Aspergillus flavus)

Examples of aflatoxin in a Sentence

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That’s part of why regulators like the FDA focus on strict limits for the most dangerous compounds, such as aflatoxins, rather than banning foods outright. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 Research found aflatoxins at their highest levels in decaffeinated green beans, with roasting cutting those levels by 42-55%. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 Another significant species, Aspergillus flavus, affects crops and produces aflatoxins, which can cause liver damage and cancer. — Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 As well, the fungal toxin aflatoxin continues to harm the domestic peanut supply. — Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aflatoxin

Word History

Etymology

afla-, from initial letters of New Latin Aspergillus flavus, species of mold + toxin

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aflatoxin was in 1962

Rhymes for aflatoxin

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Browse Nearby Words

A-flat minor
aflatoxin
AFL-CIO
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Cite this Entry

“Aflatoxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aflatoxin. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

aflatoxin

noun
af·​la·​tox·​in ˌaf-lə-ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce aflatoxin (audio)
: any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced especially in stored agricultural crops (as peanuts) by molds (as Aspergillus flavus)

More from Merriam-Webster on aflatoxin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aflatoxin

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