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 latest recalls highlight the risks of contamination that could lead to serious health issues, including botulism in humans and avian flu concerns in pet food.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
The company said there’s a risk of food leaking or contamination with Clostridium botulinum, or botulism, without proper sealing.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025
These could leak over time or let in the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which if consumed can cause botulism, according to a company announcement posted Monday on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Honey Honey can pose a risk of botulism (a serious bacterial infection that attacks the nervous system) in infants under 1 year old, as raw honey can contain the bacteria that causes botulism, Clostridium botulinum.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
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David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
The company said there’s a risk of food leaking or contamination with Clostridium botulinum, or botulism, without proper sealing.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025
These could leak over time or let in the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which if consumed can cause botulism, according to a company announcement posted Monday on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Honey Honey can pose a risk of botulism (a serious bacterial infection that attacks the nervous system) in infants under 1 year old, as raw honey can contain the bacteria that causes botulism, Clostridium botulinum.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for botulism
Cite this Entry
“Botulism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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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