measles
measles Lexical Profile
measles Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An acute, highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, cough, and a widespread red blotchy skin rash, occurring most commonly in childhood.
"Public health officials recommend early childhood vaccination to prevent outbreaks of measles."
A parasitic disease in livestock, especially pigs and cattle, caused by encysted tapeworm larvae in the flesh.
"Veterinary inspectors examine meat carcasses closely for signs of measles before approving them for market."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although "measles" is plural in form, it typically takes a singular verb when referring to the medical condition (e.g., "Measles is preventable through vaccination").
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English "maselen", likely derived from Middle Low German "masele" or Middle Dutch "masel", meaning "blemish" or "blister".