bufotalin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Scientific)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bufotalin” mean?
A toxic steroid compound found in the venom of certain toads.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A toxic steroid compound found in the venom of certain toads.
A specific cardiotoxic steroid lactone, a bufadienolide, derived from toads of the genus Bufo, acting as a potent cardiac glycoside that affects heart muscle contraction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or orthographic differences. Pronunciation may vary slightly as per regional accent.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “bufotalin” in a Sentence
Bufotalin + verb (is, acts as, inhibits)Subject (venom, extract) + contains + bufotalinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bufotalin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bufotalin concentration was measured.
- Bufotalin toxicity is well documented.
American English
- The bufotalin concentration was measured.
- Bufotalin toxicity is well documented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in research papers in toxicology, pharmacology, and biochemistry.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used in scientific descriptions of toad venom, poison analysis, and studies on cardiac glycosides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bufotalin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bufotalin”
- Mispronouncing as 'buff-o-tal-in' (correct stress is on 'tal').
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a bufotalin'); it is typically uncountable.
- Attempting to use it outside of a scientific context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is specifically associated with toads of the genus Bufo, such as the common toad (Bufo bufo).
While toxic, certain bufadienolides (the class of compounds including bufotalin) are researched for potential pharmacological effects, but bufotalin itself is primarily studied for its toxicity.
Almost exclusively in scientific literature, laboratory research, or forensic reports concerning toad venom poisoning.
No, it is an extremely rare technical term unknown to the general public and most non-specialist speakers.
A toxic steroid compound found in the venom of certain toads.
Bufotalin is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bufotalin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbjuːfəʊˈtælɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbjuːfoʊˈtælɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BUFFalo TOAD' has a toxIN -> BUFOTALIN is the toxin from a toad.
Conceptual Metaphor
POISON IS A PRECISE TOOL (in scientific study).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'bufotalin' primarily used?