botulism

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noun bot·u·lism \ ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm \

Definition of botulism

:acute food poisoning that is caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterial clostridium (Clostridium botulinum) and is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate

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Recent Examples of botulism from the Web

He was returned to the United States, however, in a coma, reportedly brought on by botulism, according to North Korean officials.

— sebastian modak, CNT, "U.S. to Ban American Tourists from Visiting North Korea," 21 July 2017
North Korea said Warmbier slipped into a coma after contracting botulism and taking a sleeping pill.

— simon denyer, Washington Post, "North Korea calls U.S. student’s death a ‘mystery,’ casts itself as ‘biggest victim’," 23 June 2017
North Korea reportedly told a U.S. official that Otto contracted botulism and slipped into the coma after taking a sleeping pill.

— char adams, PEOPLE.com, "Otto Warmbier's Girlfriend Makes a Moving Tribute Following His Death Days After Release from North Korea: 'He Was My Soulmate'," 22 June 2017
But untreated and out of control in the body, botulism attacks the nervous system, breathing and heart function.

— anne saker, Cincinnati.com, "The medical mysteries of Otto Warmbier's last days," 21 June 2017
If there had been botulism and he were diagnosed and treated appropriately, there would not have been brain injury, said Daniel Laskowitz, a professor of neurology at Duke University.

— susan svrluga, Washington Post, "What happened to Otto Warmbier? When the unthinkable is unknowable.," 20 June 2017
North Korea said Warmbier went into a coma after contracting botulism and taking a sleeping pill.

— CBS News, "U.S. coroner investigates Otto Warmbier's death," 20 June 2017
North Korea said Warmbier went into a coma after contracting botulism and taking a sleeping pill.

— CBS News, "U.S. coroner investigates Otto Warmbier's death," 20 June 2017
The tea has a risk of botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by a bacterium.

— susan abram, The Mercury News, "California company recalls deer-antler tea after 2 get sick," 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'botulism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of botulism

1896

BOTULISM Defined for English Language Learners

botulism

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noun

Definition of botulism for English Language Learners

: a serious illness that is caused by eating food that has not been preserved correctly and that is filled with bacteria

Medical Dictionary

botulism

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noun bot·u·lism \ ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm \

medical Definition of botulism

:acute food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) and characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate — see botulinum toxin, limberneck

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See words that rhyme with botulism Spanish Central: Translation of botulism Nglish: Translation of botulism for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about botulism

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botulism

Definition of botulism

Recent Examples of botulism from the Web

First Known Use of botulism

BOTULISM Defined for English Language Learners

botulism

Definition of botulism for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

botulism

medical Definition of botulism

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