smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks How to pronounce smallpox (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for smallpox 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smallpox was circa 1562

Dictionary Entries Near smallpox

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 How to pronounce smallpox (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce smallpox (audio)
: 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 minor

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