botulism

American  

[boch-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈbɒtʃ əˌlɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.

1. a sometimes fatal disease of the nervous system acquired from spoiled foods in which botulin is present, especially improperly canned or marinated foods.

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botulism British  

/ ˈbɒtjʊˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. severe poisoning from ingestion of botulin, which affects the central nervous system producing difficulty in swallowing, visual disturbances, and respiratory paralysis: often fatal

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botulism Scientific  

/ bŏch′ə-lĭz′əm /

1. A severe, sometimes fatal food poisoning caused by eating food infected with the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces botulinum toxin. The bacterium grows in food that has been improperly preserved.

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botulism Cultural  

1. A severe form of food poisoning, often fatal if not treated quickly. Botulism is caused by a kind of bacterium that produces a toxin, and it is sometimes present in improperly canned or preserved foods.

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Etymology

Origin of botulism

1875–80; < German Botulismus, equivalent to Latin botul(us ) sausage (a source of botulin toxin) + -ismus -ism

Example Sentences

FDA sent warning letters to four major retailers including Target for failing to remove recalled baby formula linked to botulism outbreak.

From Los Angeles Times

The chain store failed to quickly remove the recalled formula, ByHeart — linked to a nationwide botulism outbreak — from its retail locations in several states including California, the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

A total of 15 infants with suspected or confirmed cases of botulism have been reported in a dozen states, the FDA said Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

The UK Health Security Agency recently linked 41 confirmed cases of botulism to the use of an unlicensed toxin bought from beauticians over the summer.

From BBC

Other symptoms of botulism can include droopy eyelids, double vision and weak facial muscles.

From BBC

Related Words

• salmonella