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

/ 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

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

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

From BBC

A disapproving Gov. Ronald Reagan wished aloud for an outbreak of botulism.

From Los Angeles Times

US health officials warned last week of a botulism outbreak tied to counterfeit Botox, which has sickened 22 people in 11 states - some of whom have since been in hospital.

From BBC

Six people were treated for suspected botulism, health officials said.

From Seattle Times

It is still unclear how the cows were infected — whether by contact with birds, or via feed made from litter waste — but litter has been associated with previous outbreaks of disease, including botulism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• salmonella