ALEXETERIC Meaning and
Definition
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Alexeteric is an adjective that refers to substances or solutions with the ability to remove, counteract, or neutralize poisons or toxins that may be harmful to living organisms. Derived from the Greek term "alexikos," meaning to ward off, or protect against, and "toxon," meaning a poison or venom, alexeteric describes the property of a substance that acts as an antidote or detoxifier.
In the context of medical or toxicological studies, alexeteric substances are often employed to treat poisonings, overdose, or chemical exposures. These substances work by binding with the toxic molecules, altering their chemical structure, or enhancing their elimination from the body, thereby reducing their harmful effects.
Common examples of alexeteric agents include activated charcoal, which absorbs toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, and antidotes such as naloxone, used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Other alexeteric substances may include antivenoms used to counteract the effects of snake or spider venom, or chelating agents like EDTA that bind heavy metals, facilitating their removal from the body.
Overall, alexeteric signifies a valuable property of various substances in promoting detoxification and protecting living organisms from the damaging effects of toxins or poisons. The term is primarily used within medical and toxicological contexts, highlighting the significance of these substances in safeguarding human and animal health.
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Protective, defensive, in reference especially to infectious diseases; antidotal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ALEXETERIC
- alexitric
- alexiteric
- zlexeteric
- slexeteric
- wlexeteric
- qlexeteric
- akexeteric
- apexeteric
- aoexeteric
- alwxeteric
- alsxeteric
- aldxeteric
- alrxeteric
- al4xeteric
- al3xeteric
- alezeteric
- aleceteric
- aledeteric
- aleseteric
- alexwteric
Etymology of ALEXETERIC
The word "alexeteric" derives from the Greek term "alexeterikos", which is made up of two root words: "alexo" meaning "to ward off" or "to defend", and "teros" meaning "fright" or "terror". When combined, "alexeterikos" referred to something that could protect or defend against fear or terror. The word was later borrowed into English and evolved into "alexeteric", retaining its sense of being protective against fear.
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