foot-and-mouth disease

noun

ˈfu̇t-ən(d)-ˈmau̇th- 

: an acute contagious febrile disease especially of cloven-footed animals that is caused by serotypes of a picornavirus (Aphthovirus vesiculae) and is marked by ulcerating vesicles (see vesicle sense 1b) in the mouth, about the hooves, and on the udder and teats

called also foot-and-mouth, hoof-and-mouth disease

compare hand, foot and mouth disease

Examples of foot-and-mouth disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Uh oh, foot-and-mouth disease might run through Rip’s herd. — William Earl, Variety, 22 May 2026

The statement went on to warn that foot-and-mouth disease is a concern with Argentine beef. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025

Now, in just episode four, their new operation has already lost its inventory to foot-and-mouth disease. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 29 May 2026

Over the decades the O’odham placed some barbed wire along the border to keep livestock from straying into the neighboring country, limiting the spread of maladies such as foot-and-mouth disease and hindering cattle thieves. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foot-and-mouth disease

• ferromanganese
• mephistopheles
• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees

Kids Definition

foot-and-mouth disease

noun

: a virus disease especially of cattle that is marked by fever and by ulcers in the mouth, about the hooves, and on the udder

called also hoof-and-mouth disease

Medical Definition

foot-and-mouth disease

noun

: an acute contagious febrile disease especially of cloven-hoofed animals that is caused by any of seven serotypes of a picornavirus (Aphthovirus vesiculae) and is marked by ulcerating vesicles in the mouth, about the hooves, and on the udder and teats

called also aftosa, aphthous fever, foot-and-mouth, hoof-and-mouth disease

compare hand, foot and mouth disease