Tetrodotoxin (Noun)
Meaning
A powerful neurotoxin found in the ovaries of pufferfish.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The pufferfish contains a deadly neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, a poison so potent it can kill within 20 minutes if ingested.
- Tetrodotoxin found in pufferfish ovaries can cause paralysis and respiratory failure if the fish is not prepared correctly.
- Preparation of fugu, or pufferfish sashimi, requires expertise in removing tetrodotoxin-filled ovaries and other poisonous parts.
- Consuming tetrodotoxin can lead to muscle paralysis, convulsions, and even death, making it essential to cook pufferfish with caution.
- Japanese chefs undergo rigorous training to learn how to remove tetrodotoxin from pufferfish and serve the dish safely.