varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌver-ə-ˈse-lə 

ˌva-rə-

: chickenpox

Examples of varicella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends two doses of the varicella vaccine for children from ages 1 to 6. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Measles protection is also part of the MMRV vaccine, which includes varicella (chickenpox). — Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Even children vaccinated for varicella, such as those in the United States since 1995, still have dormant virus in their neurons, since the vaccine uses a live but weakened strain. — Andrew Bubak, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

The proposal would remove hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), Hib and pneumococcal vaccines from the requirements for children entering PreK-12 schools. — Kas Miller, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for varicella

• arabella
• bartonella
• bordetella
• cinderella
• citronella
• columella
• isabella
• klebsiella
• legionella
• mozzarella
• pasteurella
• salmonella

Medical Definition

varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌvar-ə-ˈsel-ə 

: chickenpox