smallpox

noun small·pox \ ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks \

Updated on: 21 May 2018

Definition of smallpox

: 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

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Recent Examples of smallpox from the Web

Researchers who tested the vaccine used the same strategy that was used to eradicate smallpox in the 1970s.

— NBC News, "Congo Ebola outbreak turns up in a large city. That's bad," 17 May 2018
Foege, the awards' namesake and a former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, worked on the successful campaign to eradicate smallpox in the 1970s.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Jimmy Carter calls US exit from Iran nuclear deal 'serious mistake,' then talks health," 9 May 2018
So the anniversary of smallpox eradication felt like a good time to take stock.

— julia belluz, Vox, "Vaccines helped us rid the earth of smallpox. We should celebrate them more.," 8 May 2018
North Korea has denied producing or stockpiling things like smallpox and anthrax, which can deliver lethal results when used in incredibly small amounts (think ounces, or a few pounds at most).

— alex diaz, Fox News, "North Korea, Trump have more than nukes to discuss at historic sit-down, experts say," 4 May 2018
During the winter of 1872-73, the spread of smallpox in Boston sent more than 100 patients to Gallops Island.

— brian macquarrie, BostonGlobe.com, "Winter weather helped uncover a dark past on Gallops Island," 3 May 2018
Speaking of smallpox The deadly virus appears to weigh on Gates’s mind, even though it was declared eradicated in 1980.

— helen branswell, STAT, "Bill Gates got President Trump fired up about a universal flu vaccine — and also (maybe) got a job offer," 30 Apr. 2018
Inside, there are antibiotics, vaccines for smallpox and anthrax, and antivirals for a deadly flu pandemic.

— Washington Post, "The Health 202: Forget the VA. It's not clear Ronny Jackson can do his current job.," 25 Apr. 2018
Global health officials are racing to make the worm or polio the second human disease — after smallpox — to be eradicated worldwide.

— donald g. mcneil jr., New York Times, "South Sudan Halts Spread of Crippling Guinea Worms," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smallpox.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of smallpox

circa 1562

in the meaning defined above

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SMALLPOX Defined for English Language Learners

smallpox

noun

Definition of smallpox for English Language Learners

: a serious disease that causes fever and a rash and often death

SMALLPOX Defined for Kids

smallpox

noun small·pox \ ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks \

Definition of smallpox for Students

: a sometimes deadly disease in which fever and skin rash occur and which is believed to have been wiped out worldwide by vaccination

Medical Dictionary

smallpox

noun small·pox \ ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks \

medical Definition of smallpox

: 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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See words that rhyme with smallpox Spanish Central: Translation of smallpox Nglish: Translation of smallpox for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of smallpox for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smallpox

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