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Definition of monkeypox

monkeypox

/ˈmʌŋ.ki.pɑːks/
mon · key · pox
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monkeypox Lexical Profile

monkeypox Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A rare viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that forms skin lesions and scabs.

Example

"Public health officials closely monitored the spread of monkeypox to ensure vulnerable populations received the necessary vaccines."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for monkeypox

Word Nuance & Usage

In 2022, the World Health Organization recommended transitioning to the name 'mpox' to minimize stigma and racist connotations associated with the original term.

• Nearby Words

monk
monkey
monkey flower
monkeypox
monkeywrench
monkeywrencher
monkfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1958 after the virus was first discovered in colonies of cynomolgus monkeys kept for research in Denmark. The suffix 'pox' refers to the characteristic pockmarks or pustules it causes.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Monkeypox. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/monkeypox
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