summer complaint

noun

1. an acute condition of diarrhea, occurring during the hot summer months chiefly in infants and children, caused by bacterial contamination of food and associated with poor hygiene.

Word History and Origins

Origin of summer complaint¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Gentleman of the Senit & of the House, you've sot there and draw'd your pay and made summer-complaint speeches long enuff.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most serious in this chapter is summer-complaint (Cholera infantum).

From Project Gutenberg