Minamata disease

[ min-uh-mah-tuh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a severe form of mercury poisoning, characterized by neurological degeneration.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Minamata disease¹

After Minamata Bay, Japan, where fish containing alkyl mercury compounds caused the disease in those who ate them during the period 1953–58

Example Sentences

Minamata disease, first diagnosed in 1956, was later linked to the consumption of seafood from the Minamata Bay on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu, where Chisso dumped mercury compounds.

From Seattle Times

Fobister, who was exhibiting the first signs of Minamata disease, became chief and formed groups to stop the violence, even if it meant “getting physical” with enraged mobs of alcoholics.

From The Guardian

"The issue is whether Japan, which has experienced Minamata disease, will do more than that."

From Reuters

The discrepancy stems from the diagnostic criteria the government has used to certify Minamata disease.

From Scientific American

We have to remember that in Japan a small place like Minamata shattered the whole world by revealing Minamata disease.

From BBC