toxoid
/ˈtɑk.sɔɪd/
noun
- A chemically treated toxin that has lost its poisonous effect but can still cause the body to produce antibodies, used in vaccines.
- The tetanus vaccine contains a toxoid that trains your immune system to fight the real toxin.
- After receiving the toxoid, the body builds immunity against the dangerous bacteria.
- Doctors use toxoids to prevent diseases like diphtheria without making people sick.