botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm 

: 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

Examples of botulism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms of botulism can start anywhere from six hours to two weeks after consuming food that contains botulinum toxin, per the FDA. —Korin Miller, Health, 22 June 2024

Rosé died in 1944, probably of botulism, despite apparently sincere attempts on the part of camp doctors to save her. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2024

Two California sisters remain in the ICU after eating a cactus salad contaminated by botulism. —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024

While rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), botulism is a serious illness caused by several bacteria that attack the body’s nerves. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm 

: poisoning caused by eating food containing a toxin made by a spore-forming bacterium

Medical Definition

botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm 

: 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