shigellosis

noun

shig·​el·​lo·​sis ˌshi-gə-ˈlō-səs How to pronounce shigellosis (audio)
plural shigelloses ˌshi-gə-ˈlō-ˌsēz How to pronounce shigellosis (audio)
: dysentery caused by shigellae

Examples of shigellosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Housing is a major factor in the spread, say Portland health officials The dysentery infection currently spreading most prominently among Multnomah County is shigellosis, the most common form of dysentery infection caused by the shigella bacteria. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 Two years ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control began tracking a sharp rise in cases of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) shigellosis — infections by particular strains of Shigella bacteria that are impervious to most antibiotics. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 About 300 to 400 cases of shigellosis are reported in Wisconsin every year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 16 Nov. 2024 Severe shigellosis can spread into the blood, which can be life-threatening. Lena H. Sun, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for shigellosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shigellosis was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Shigellosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shigellosis. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

shigellosis

noun
shig·​el·​lo·​sis ˌshig-ə-ˈlō-səs How to pronounce shigellosis (audio)
plural shigelloses -ˈlō-ˌsēz How to pronounce shigellosis (audio)
: infection with or dysentery caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella

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