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

The bacteria responsible for botulism do not cause odd smells or tastes in food. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025

Here’s what Californians need to know: What is botulism? —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2025

The faulty lids could allow the cans to leak or let in dangerous bacteria, leading to a risk of botulism (a potentially fatal form of food poisoning). —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Canned tuna sold by Trader Joe’s, Costco and others has been recalled for botulism risk. —Martina Ibáñez-Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for botulism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

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