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smallpox

noun small·pox \ ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks \
|Updated on: 16 Jul 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

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

Learn More about smallpox

  1. 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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