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

In November 2025, all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products were recalled for possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that causes botulism, an extremely deadly illness.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

In February, the CDC confirmed 28 infant botulism and 20 cases of probable infant botulism linked to the formula.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

At least five families say their babies were treated for infant botulism after consuming ByHeart formula months before a current outbreak was detected, California health officials say.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Infant formula that could have been tainted with botulism remained on Target shelves after a recall, according to federal officials.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

Even botulism, the deadliest toxin ever known, needed at least 1 nanogram per kilogram to kill a human.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Related Words

• salmonella