varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌver-ə-ˈse-lə How to pronounce varicella (audio)
ˌva-rə-

Examples of varicella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The latent varicella zoster virus lies dormant in the body after a person has chicken pox. Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025 Instead, varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is recommended as a standalone shot. Reuters, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025 Harder to get combo MMRV vaccine Separately, the CDC advisory committee also voted that the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine would no longer be recommended before age 4. Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025 Young children can gain the same protection by getting separate shots for MMR and varicella, and most of them – some 85% – already do, according to CDC data shared and discussed at the advisory committee's September meeting. Pien Huang, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for varicella

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from vari- (in variola variola) + Medieval Latin -cella, diminutive suffix (extracted from nouns such as nāvicella, diminutive of Latin nāvicula "boat," diminutive of nāvis "ship")

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of varicella was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Varicella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varicella. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

varicella

noun
var·​i·​cel·​la ˌvar-ə-ˈsel-ə How to pronounce varicella (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on varicella

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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