food poisoning

noun

: an acute gastrointestinal disorder caused by bacteria or their toxic products or by chemical residues in food

Examples of food poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In most cases, the bacteria stay within the gut and cause the stereotypical symptoms of food poisoning, such as diarrhea and vomiting. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

This set of symptoms is often caused by viral or bacterial illness, including food poisoning. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Per the complaint, the Weld County Department of Public Health told him his food poisoning was linked to his McDonald’s meal. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024

His initial symptoms were (as anticipated with the usual case of food poisoning) nausea, vomiting and muscle weakness. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

food poisoning

noun

: a digestive sickness caused by bacteria or by chemicals in food

Medical Definition

food poisoning

noun

1

: either of two acute gastrointestinal disorders caused by bacteria or their toxic products:

a

: a rapidly developing intoxication marked by nausea, vomiting, prostration, and often severe diarrhea and caused by the presence in food of toxic products produced by bacteria (as some staphylococci)

b

: a less rapidly developing infection especially with salmonellae that has generally similar symptoms and that results from multiplication of bacteria ingested with contaminated food

2

: a gastrointestinal disturbance occurring after consumption of food that is contaminated with chemical residues (as from sprays) or food (as some fungi) that is inherently unsuitable for human consumption