botox: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal in cosmetic contexts; formal in medical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “botox” mean?
A brand name for a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to temporarily reduce facial wrinkles by paralyzing muscles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brand name for a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to temporarily reduce facial wrinkles by paralyzing muscles.
The treatment or procedure involving the injection of this substance; by extension, any cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing signs of aging, often used generically (though trademarked).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains 'Botox' (capitalized as trademark).
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: cosmetic enhancement, anti-aging, sometimes with negative associations of artificiality or vanity.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English due to global cosmetic industry.
Grammar
How to Use “botox” in a Sentence
have/get + Botox (+ for + condition)inject + Botox + into + areaBotox + to + reduce/treat + somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “botox” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to botox her frown lines.
- He's been botoxed so much he can't raise his eyebrows.
American English
- She's planning to Botox her forehead before the reunion.
- His forehead was completely Botoxed.
adverb
British English
- N/A (no standard adverbial use)
American English
- N/A (no standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- She had a very botoxed appearance.
- The botox effect lasted about four months.
American English
- She has that Botoxed look.
- He showed a Botox-smoothed forehead.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the aesthetics industry, Botox is a major revenue driver for clinics.
Academic
The study examined the efficacy of Botox in treating chronic migraines.
Everyday
She's considering Botox for her forehead lines.
Technical
The Botox was reconstituted with 2.5 ml of sterile saline.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “botox”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “botox”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “botox”
- Using 'Botox' as a plural ('Botoxes' – incorrect; 'Botox treatments' is correct).
- Confusing Botox (paralyzes muscles) with dermal fillers (adds volume).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the effects of Botox are temporary, typically lasting 3 to 6 months.
Yes, it is used to treat conditions like chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), muscle spasms, and overactive bladder.
Botox relaxes muscles to smooth wrinkles caused by movement. Fillers add volume to static wrinkles and areas like lips and cheeks.
While often used generically, 'Botox' is a registered trademark of AbbVie. Other brands include Dysport and Xeomin.
A brand name for a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to temporarily reduce facial wrinkles by paralyzing muscles.
Botox is usually neutral to informal in cosmetic contexts; formal in medical contexts. in register.
Botox: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊ.tɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊ.tɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Frozen with Botox”
- “Botox smile”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Botox = 'BOT'ulinum tOXin. Think of a 'bot' (robot) with a frozen face – it paralyzes muscles.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGING IS AN ENEMY / YOUTH IS A COMMODITY (Botox is a weapon/tool to fight aging/purchase youth).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary medical action of Botox?