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typhus

noun ty·phus \ ˈtī-fəs \
|Updated on: 26 May 2018

Definition of typhus

: any of various bacterial diseases caused by rickettsias: such as
a : a severe human febrile disease that is caused by one (Rickettsia prowazekii) transmitted especially by body lice and is marked by high fever, stupor alternating with delirium, intense headache, and a dark red rash
b : murine typhus
c : scrub typhus

See typhus defined for English-language learners

See typhus defined for kids

Recent Examples of typhus from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of typhus

New Latin, from Greek typhos fever; akin to Greek typhein to smoke — more at deaf

TYPHUS Defined for English Language Learners

typhus

noun

Definition of typhus for English Language Learners

  • medical : a serious disease that is carried by small insects that live on the bodies of people and animals and that causes high fever, headache, and a dark red rash

TYPHUS Defined for Kids

typhus

noun ty·phus \ ˈtī-fəs \

Definition of typhus for Students

: a disease spread especially by body lice and in which there is high fever, delirium, severe headache, and a dark red rash

Medical Dictionary

typhus

noun ty·phus \ ˈtī-fəs \

medical Definition of typhus

: any of various bacterial diseases caused by rickettsial bacteria: as
a : a severe human febrile disease that is caused by one (Rickettsia prowazekii) transmitted especially by body lice and is marked by high fever, stupor alternating with delirium, intense headache, and a dark red rash — called also louse-borne typhus
b : murine typhus
c : scrub typhus

Learn More about typhus

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of typhus Nglish: Translation of typhus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of typhus for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about typhus

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