chickenpox

noun

chick·​en·​pox ˈchi-kᵊn-ˌpäks 

variants or less commonly chicken pox

: an acute contagious disease especially of children marked by low-grade fever and formation of vesicles (see vesicle sense 1b) and caused by a herpesvirus (Varicellovirus humanalpha3) compare shingles

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

chicken pox

noun

: a contagious virus disease especially of children marked by low fever and a rash or small watery blisters

Medical Definition

chickenpox

noun

chick·​en·​pox ˈchik-ən-ˌpäks 

variants also chicken pox

: an acute contagious disease especially of children that is marked by low-grade fever and formation of vesicles (see vesicle sense 2) and that is caused by a herpesvirus (Varicellovirus humanalpha3)

called also varicella

see shingles