botulinum

noun

bot·​u·​li·​num ˌbä-chə-ˈlī-nəm How to pronounce botulinum (audio)
variants or less commonly botulinus
ˌbä-chə-ˈlī-nəs How to pronounce botulinum (audio)
: a spore-forming bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that secretes botulinum toxin
botulinal
ˌbä-chə-ˈlī-nᵊl How to pronounce botulinum (audio)
adjective

Examples of botulinum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This can lead to foodborne botulism, a rare but serious condition caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 29 Oct. 2024 It’s caused by a toxin made by Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria. —Korin Miller, Health, 22 June 2024 The Clostridium botulinum bacteria is an ingredient in Botox and similar cosmetic substances, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024 Clostridium botulinum is a nerve toxin that relaxes facial muscles that would otherwise cause wrinkles. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for botulinum 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin botulus sausage

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of botulinum was in 1916

Phrases Containing botulinum

Dictionary Entries Near botulinum

botulinic

botulinum

botulinum toxin

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Botulinum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulinum. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

botulinum

noun
bot·​u·​li·​num ˌbäch-ə-ˈlī-nəm How to pronounce botulinum (audio)
variants also botulinus
-nəs How to pronounce botulinum (audio)
: a spore-forming bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) that produces botulinum toxin
botulinal
-ˈlīn-ᵊl How to pronounce botulinum (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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