botulism
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. It is most commonly contracted through eating improperly preserved or canned foods where the bacterium Clostridium botulinum has grown.
Examples
3 of 5The doctor immediately suspected botulism when the patient reported blurred vision and muscle weakness after eating home-canned beans.
The doctor immediately suspected botulism when the patient reported blurred vision and muscle weakness after eating home-canned beans.
Strict regulatory standards in the canning industry have significantly reduced the incidence of foodborne botulism.
Strict regulatory standards in the canning industry have significantly reduced the incidence of foodborne botulism.
I'm always a bit paranoid about botulism, so I throw away any cans that look even slightly dented.
I'm always a bit paranoid about botulism, so I throw away any cans that look even slightly dented.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'bottle-ism': you get it from things preserved in a bottle or jar that wasn't sealed correctly.
Quick Quiz
The public health department issued a warning after a rare case of ______ was linked to fermented fish.
Correct!
The correct answer is: botulism
Examples
The doctor immediately suspected botulism when the patient reported blurred vision and muscle weakness after eating home-canned beans.
everydayThe doctor immediately suspected botulism when the patient reported blurred vision and muscle weakness after eating home-canned beans.
Strict regulatory standards in the canning industry have significantly reduced the incidence of foodborne botulism.
formalStrict regulatory standards in the canning industry have significantly reduced the incidence of foodborne botulism.
I'm always a bit paranoid about botulism, so I throw away any cans that look even slightly dented.
informalI'm always a bit paranoid about botulism, so I throw away any cans that look even slightly dented.
The neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is considered one of the most lethal substances known to science.
academicThe neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is considered one of the most lethal substances known to science.
Our quality control team must ensure that the sterilization process eliminates any risk of botulism contamination in the new product line.
businessOur quality control team must ensure that the sterilization process eliminates any risk of botulism contamination in the new product line.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
symptoms of botulism
symptoms of botulism
case of botulism
case of botulism
risk of botulism
risk of botulism
Often Confused With
Botox is the brand name for a cosmetic/medical injection using a diluted form of the toxin, whereas botulism is the actual disease.
Salmonella is a common bacterial infection causing digestive upset, while botulism is a rare neurotoxic illness.
Usage Notes
Botulism is an uncountable noun. It is almost always used in medical, health safety, or culinary contexts involving food preservation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistake it for a countable noun (e.g., 'many botulisms') or try to use it as a verb. It should always be used to refer to the condition or illness itself.
Memory Tip
Think of 'bottle-ism': you get it from things preserved in a bottle or jar that wasn't sealed correctly.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'botulus' meaning 'sausage', because the illness was first identified in connection with poorly prepared sausages.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In North America and Europe, botulism awareness is the primary reason why home-canners are strictly advised to use pressure canners for low-acid vegetables.
Quick Quiz
The public health department issued a warning after a rare case of ______ was linked to fermented fish.
Correct!
The correct answer is: botulism
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