Botulisms refers to a rare but serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Since the term botulisms solely describes the disease caused by this specific bacterium, other synonyms are not widely used. However, if one wants to describe symptoms and signs instead of the disease itself, words such as weakness, dizziness, difficulty swallowing and breathing, paralysis, double vision, and dilated pupils can be used. Additionally, the term food poisoning or foodborne illness can be used to describe botulisms as it is commonly caused by eating contaminated food. It is always important to seek medical attention as soon as one suspects botulisms.