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smallpox
noun
small·pox
ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks
: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus (species Variola virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus), is characterized by a skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination
called also variola
Examples of smallpox in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Case in point: nearly a century before Albert Nobel died in 1896, Edward Jenner demonstrated that inoculation with cowpox, a relatively mild virus, confers immunity against smallpox.
—Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Since the beginning of 2024, neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo has reported nearly 20,000 cases of and 600 deaths from the viral disease, which is similar to smallpox.
—Sophie Neiman, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Sep. 2024
The virus is similar to the one that causes smallpox, the CDC says.
—George Petras, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) was still in its infancy, but by 1980, smallpox became the first infectious disease to be eradicated.
—Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
circa 1562, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Smallpox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smallpox. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
smallpox
noun
small·pox
ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks
: a sometimes deadly disease that is caused by a virus, is characterized by fever and a skin rash, and is believed to have been wiped out worldwide as a result of vaccination
Medical Definition
smallpox
noun
small·pox
ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks
: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Orthopoxvirus (species Variola virus), is characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination
called also variola
see variola major, variola minorMore from Merriam-Webster on smallpox
Nglish: Translation of smallpox for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of smallpox for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smallpox
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