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

The writer says this is one of the finest remedies she has ever known for summer complaint.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

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)

After a few more summer complaint speeches agin that Horrible!

From Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 22, August 27, 1870 by Various

The best first step is to ask questions that they should be able to answer: What causes cholera morbus or summer complaint?

From Civics and Health by Allen, William H.