Marek's disease

noun

Mar·​ek's disease ˈmer-iks- How to pronounce Marek's disease (audio)
: a highly contagious viral disease of poultry that is marked especially by proliferation of lymphoid cells and is caused by a herpesvirus (Mardivirus gallidalpha2)

Word History

Etymology

József Marek †1952 Hungarian veterinarian

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Marek's disease was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Marek's disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Marek%27s%20disease. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

Marek's disease

noun
Mar·​ek's disease ˈmar-iks-, ˈmer- How to pronounce Marek's disease (audio)
: a highly contagious viral disease of poultry that is characterized especially by proliferation of lymphoid cells and is caused by a herpesvirus (Mardivirus gallidalpha2)

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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