summer complaint

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of summer complaint

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Camomile tea is good for sleeplessness; calamus and catnip for babies' colic; and cinnamon for hemorrhages and summer complaint.

From The Easiest Way in Housekeeping and Cooking Adapted to Domestic Use or Study in Classes by Campbell, Helen

This gruel is excellent for children afflicted with summer complaint.

From The Whitehouse Cookbook (1887) Cooking, Toilet and Household Recipes, Menus, Dinner-Giving, Table Etiquette, Care of the Sick, Health Suggestions, Facts Worth Knowing, Etc., Etc. The Whole Comprising a Comprehensive Cyclopedia of Information for the Home by Gillette, F. L. (Fanny Lemira)

For a patient with summer complaint, flavor by boiling a stick of cinnamon in it.

From The Easiest Way in Housekeeping and Cooking Adapted to Domestic Use or Study in Classes by Campbell, Helen

One of the children too has been troubled with the "summer complaint" for a day or two; but he thinks that a dose of catnip, under Providence, will effect a cure.

From Dream Life A Fable Of The Seasons by Mitchell, Donald Grant

It is often moaned out when the child is ill with "summer complaint" or other intestinal disturbances.

From The Mother and Her Child by Sadler, William S.