botulinum
noun
bot·u·li·num
ˌbä-chə-ˈlī-nəm 
variants
or less commonly botulinus
: a spore-forming bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that secretes botulinum toxin
Examples of botulinum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The science builds on the existing body of research into whether the drug — which is made from a toxin that the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces — can shift our moods.
—
Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 16 Mar. 2022
The toxins are produced when Clostridium botulinum spores, widely dispersed in nature, encounter perfect conditions for germination: the absence of oxygen, a non-acidic pH, just the right amount of moisture and a warmish temperature (the optimum varies by subtype).
—Claire Panosian Dunavan, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2018
Antitoxin hero Botulism treatment can involve mechanical ventilation in the case of respiratory failure, as well as doses of an antitoxin called heptavalent botulinum antitoxin (HBAT), which is made from horses.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 Mar. 2023
As a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, this bacterium can cause botulism, a type of life-threatening food poisoning.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2022
Another risk comes from honey containing Clostridium botulinum spores, associated with paralytic disease.
—Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2013
The second microbe, Clostridium botulinum, has not been found in the products.
—Orlando Mayorquin, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022
On top of that, Lyons also identified another bacteria in the drinks, Clostridium botulinum.
—Chris Smith, BGR, 11 Aug. 2022
Seven botulinum toxins, designated A through G, are currently known to block the release of acetylcholine, an essential neural junction transmitter.
—Claire Panosian Dunavan, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2018
See More
Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 16 Mar. 2022
The toxins are produced when Clostridium botulinum spores, widely dispersed in nature, encounter perfect conditions for germination: the absence of oxygen, a non-acidic pH, just the right amount of moisture and a warmish temperature (the optimum varies by subtype).
—Claire Panosian Dunavan, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2018
Antitoxin hero Botulism treatment can involve mechanical ventilation in the case of respiratory failure, as well as doses of an antitoxin called heptavalent botulinum antitoxin (HBAT), which is made from horses.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 Mar. 2023
As a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, this bacterium can cause botulism, a type of life-threatening food poisoning.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2022
Another risk comes from honey containing Clostridium botulinum spores, associated with paralytic disease.
—Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2013
The second microbe, Clostridium botulinum, has not been found in the products.
—Orlando Mayorquin, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022
On top of that, Lyons also identified another bacteria in the drinks, Clostridium botulinum.
—Chris Smith, BGR, 11 Aug. 2022
Seven botulinum toxins, designated A through G, are currently known to block the release of acetylcholine, an essential neural junction transmitter.
—Claire Panosian Dunavan, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2018
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'botulinum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin botulus sausage
First Known Use
1916, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing botulinum
Dictionary Entries Near botulinum
Cite this Entry
“Botulinum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulinum. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
botulinum
noun
bot·u·li·num
ˌbäch-ə-ˈlī-nəm
variants
also botulinus
: a spore-forming bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) that produces botulinum toxin
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