food poisoning

noun

: sickness caused by bacteria or chemicals in food

Full Definition of FOOD POISONING

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

See food poisoning defined for English-language learners

See food poisoning defined for kids

First Known Use of FOOD POISONING

1886

Medical Dictionary

food poisoning

noun

Medical Definition of FOOD POISONING

: 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 salmonellas that has generally similar symptoms and that results from multiplication of bacteria ingested with contaminated food

: 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