1. A toxin produced by certain bacteria that damages the intestinal lining and causes gastrointestinal illness.
Usage: medical/scientific term; commonly associated with food poisoning

Examples

• Staphylococcus aureus produces an enterotoxin that can contaminate food and cause rapid onset food poisoning.
• The enterotoxin released by the bacteria attacked the intestinal walls, leading to severe diarrhea.
• Researchers studied how the enterotoxin interferes with normal intestinal function.
• Food safety regulations aim to prevent bacterial contamination that could produce enterotoxins.
• The patient's symptoms were consistent with enterotoxin-mediated food poisoning.