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

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

These troubles occur most frequently during the summer months, especially with infants and children, as in cholera infantum and summer complaint.

From Outlines of Dairy Bacteriology, 8th edition A Concise Manual for the Use of Students in Dairying by Russell, H. L. (Harry Luman)

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

This is excellent for summer complaint, whether in adults or children.

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

After a few more summer complaint speeches agin that Horrible!

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