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Anthrax: meaning, definitions and examples

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anthrax

 

[ ˈæn.θræks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

infectious disease

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It commonly affects livestock and wild animals but can be transmitted to humans. The disease can manifest in different forms, including cutaneous, inhalational, and gastrointestinal anthrax, each with varying degrees of severity.

Synonyms

Bacillus anthracis, disease, infection

Examples of usage

  • Farmers must vaccinate their livestock against anthrax.
  • Symptoms of inhalational anthrax can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
  • Anthrax spores can survive in the environment for decades.
  • Cutaneous anthrax can lead to skin lesions and severe pain.

Translations

Translations of the word "anthrax" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ántrax

🇮🇳 कार्बन (anthrax)

🇩🇪 Milzbrand

🇮🇩 anthrax

🇺🇦 сибірка

🇵🇱 wąglik

🇯🇵 炭疽菌 (たんそきん, tansokin)

🇫🇷 anthrax

🇪🇸 ántrax

🇹🇷 şarbon

🇰🇷 탄저병 (tanjeobyung)

🇸🇦 الجمرة الخبيثة (aljamrat alkhabitha)

🇨🇿 antrax

🇸🇰 antrax

🇨🇳 炭疽 (tànjuē)

🇸🇮 antraks

🇮🇸 heftur

🇰🇿 сібірка (sibirka)

🇬🇪 ანტრაქსი (antrakhsi)

🇦🇿 antraks

🇲🇽 ántrax

Word origin

The word 'anthrax' originates from the Greek word 'ánthrax', which means 'coal'. This etymology relates to the black, coal-like lesions that can appear on the skin of those infected with cutaneous anthrax. The disease has been known since ancient times, and its causative agent was identified in 1863 by the German physician Robert Koch. He demonstrated that the bacterium Bacillus anthracis was responsible for the disease, leading to significant advancements in microbiology and the understanding of infectious diseases. Anthrax primarily affects herbivores, and humans can contract it through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The disease remains a concern in veterinary medicine and is also studied in the context of bioterrorism, as anthrax spores can be weaponized.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,003, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.