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
Woman Gets Botulism, Becomes Paralyzed After Eating Pesto From a Farmer's Market: 'My Body Stopped Working'
Foodborne botulism is often caused by home-canning, because the bacteria that causes the condition thrive in environments with little oxygen, according to Mayo.
—
Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
The botulinum toxin can cause botulism, a rare but potentially fatal disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 26 June 2024
But harmful exposure to the toxin—such as from an infection, eating contaminated foods, or use of counterfeit Botox—can cause botulism or at least botulism-like illnesses.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 Apr. 2024
If symptoms of botulism begin, such as trouble swallowing or breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for botulism 
Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
The botulinum toxin can cause botulism, a rare but potentially fatal disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 26 June 2024
But harmful exposure to the toxin—such as from an infection, eating contaminated foods, or use of counterfeit Botox—can cause botulism or at least botulism-like illnesses.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 Apr. 2024
If symptoms of botulism begin, such as trouble swallowing or breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for botulism
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Botulism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulism. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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