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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of botulism

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

Example Sentences

Botulism is a type of food poisoning that causes life-threatening symptoms including paralysis and difficulty breathing, according to the California Department of Public Health.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2025

Botulism illnesses have been linked to foods such as homemade pickles and garlic in oil.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2024

Botulism is serious, but, fortunately, it’s also rare.

From Washington Post • Jan. 17, 2023

Botulism takes up to 72 hours to start paralyzing your muscles.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2021

One day as Patricia was endeavouring to sort out into some sort of coherence a sheaf of notes that Mr. Bonsor had made upon Botulism, Mr. Triggs entered the library.

From Patricia Brent, Spinster by Jenkins, Herbert George

Related Words

• salmonella