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botulism
noun
bot·u·lism
ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm
: acute food poisoning that is caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterial clostridium (Clostridium botulinum) and is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate
Examples of botulism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rosé died in 1944, probably of botulism, despite apparently sincere attempts on the part of camp doctors to save her.
—
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2024
Two California sisters remain in the ICU after eating a cactus salad contaminated by botulism.
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Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
While rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), botulism is a serious illness caused by several bacteria that attack the body’s nerves.
—
Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2024
Multiple coffee shops and grocery stores across North Carolina are pulling some of their products off the shelves because of potential botulism — a fatal form of food poisoning.
—
Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'botulism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1896, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near botulism
Cite this Entry
“Botulism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulism. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
botulism
noun
bot·u·lism
ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm
: poisoning caused by eating food containing a toxin made by a spore-forming bacterium
Medical Definition
botulism
noun
bot·u·lism
ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm
: acute food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) and characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate see botulinum toxin, limberneck
More from Merriam-Webster on botulism
Nglish: Translation of botulism for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about botulism
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