botulism

[boch-uh-liz-uhm]

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

/ 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

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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of botulism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of botulism¹

C19: first formed as German Botulismus literally: sausage poisoning, from Latin botulus sausage

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

But when her condition deteriorated over the following days, Ms Bailey rushed back to hospital where this time she was told she had botulism, a rare but life-threatening condition caused by a bacterium.

From BBC

In recent weeks, 28 people in the north-east of England have been left with potentially fatal botulism after having anti-wrinkle injections believed to have been fake.

From BBC

Tri-Union Seafoods, an El Segundo-based food supplier, announced a recall for canned tuna products distributed to stores in California and other states that may be at risk for botulism poisoning.

From Los Angeles Times

Five people are receiving emergency medical care in France for suspected botulism linked to eating pesto.

From BBC

Related Words

• salmonella