food poisoning

noun

: an acute gastrointestinal disorder caused by bacteria or their toxic products or by chemical residues in food

Examples of food poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms caused by polluted water look similar to food poisoning or a cold, said Mara Dias, senior water quality manager at the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental preservation group with more than 80 chapters nationwide. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

Those found guilty of food poisoning resulting in a fatality can face the death penalty. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 10 July 2024

Listeria food poisoning, or listeriosis, is preventable in part by avoiding raw animal products.2 Traditionally, soft cheeses are made from raw milk, but pasteurizing the milk will remove the listeria risk. —Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 9 July 2024

These cracks can allow bacteria and other contaminants to enter, leading to the fruit spoiling faster—and potentially even leading to food poisoning. —Aksha Mittapalli, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

food poisoning

noun

: a digestive sickness caused by bacteria or by chemicals in food

Medical Definition

food poisoning

noun

1

: either of two acute gastrointestinal disorders caused by bacteria or their toxic products:

a

: a rapidly developing intoxication marked by nausea, vomiting, prostration, and often severe diarrhea and caused by the presence in food of toxic products produced by bacteria (as some staphylococci)

b

: a less rapidly developing infection especially with salmonellae that has generally similar symptoms and that results from multiplication of bacteria ingested with contaminated food

2

: a gastrointestinal disturbance occurring after consumption of food that is contaminated with chemical residues (as from sprays) or food (as some fungi) that is inherently unsuitable for human consumption