flu
flu Lexical Profile
flu Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An acute, highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes fever, severe aching, fatigue, and catarrh; influenza.
"Several students missed class last week after catching a severe strain of the flu."
Any of various acute viral illnesses loosely resembling influenza or causing gastrointestinal distress, such as viral gastroenteritis.
"He stayed home to recover from a mild stomach flu that lasted for two days."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'flu' (the viral respiratory illness influenza) with its homophones 'flue' (a chimney duct or pipe for smoke) and 'flew' (the past tense of the verb 'fly').
• Rhymes for flu
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century as a colloquial clipping of 'influenza', which entered English from Italian (literally meaning 'influence'), reflecting the medieval belief that epidemics were caused by the astrological influence of the stars.