botulinum

noun

bot·​u·​li·​num ˌbä-chə-ˈlī-nəm 

variants or less commonly botulinus

ˌbä-chə-ˈlī-nəs 

: a spore-forming bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that secretes botulinum toxin

botulinal

ˌbä-chə-ˈlī-nᵊl 

adjective

Examples of botulinum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin botulus sausage

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing botulinum

• botulinum toxin

Medical Definition

botulinum

noun

bot·​u·​li·​num ˌbäch-ə-ˈlī-nəm 

variants also botulinus

-nəs 

: a spore-forming bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) that produces botulinum toxin

botulinal

-ˈlīn-ᵊl 

adjective