noun
- toxic substances found within the cell walls of certain bacteria that are released when the bacteria die or are destroyed
Usage: medical; microbiology
Examples
- The endotoxins released by the bacteria caused severe inflammation in the patient.
- Researchers studied how endotoxins trigger immune responses in laboratory mice.
- Medical devices must be tested to ensure they are free of endotoxins before use.
- The fever was likely caused by endotoxins entering the bloodstream.
- Scientists developed new methods to detect endotoxins in pharmaceutical products.
- Endotoxins can cause serious complications in patients with compromised immune systems.