Chickenpox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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chickenpox
[ˈtʃɪk.ɪn.pɑːks ]
Definition
medical condition
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It primarily affects children, resulting in an itchy rash, fever, and tiredness. The rash typically blisters and scabs over a week or so. Though it often occurs in childhood, teenagers and adults can also contract chickenpox, which may lead to more severe complications. Vaccination has made chickenpox less common in many parts of the world.
Synonyms
chicken pox, varicella.
Examples of usage
- My son has chickenpox and needs to stay home from school.
- Doctors recommend the chickenpox vaccine for children.
- She remembers getting chickenpox as a child and hated the itching.
- Chickenpox can cause serious complications, especially in adults.
- The recent outbreak of chickenpox surprised many parents.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Chickenpox has been around for centuries, with historical texts mentioning it as early as the 10th century.
- The disease was first clearly differentiated from smallpox in the 18th century, thanks to advances in medicine.
Public Health
- The introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in the 1990s significantly reduced the number of cases.
- Vaccination programs have greatly helped protect children from severe chickenpox complications.
Symptoms & Impact
- Chickenpox typically presents with an itchy rash, fever, and fatigue, lasting about a week.
- While usually mild in children, it can cause serious issues in adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Pop Culture
- Chickenpox is often referenced in children's literature as a common childhood illness.
- In cartoons, characters sometimes get chickenpox to create humorous situations, highlighting the spots on their skin.
Origin of 'chickenpox'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'chicken' in chickenpox may come from the old English word 'giccan,' which means 'to itch.'
- The origin of the 'pox' part comes from the Latin word 'pox,' meaning 'blister' or 'spot.'
The term 'chickenpox' originated in the late 17th century, deriving from a linguistic alteration of the word 'chicke' or 'chick' in Middle English, which denoted a young bird. The 'pox' part is derived from the Old English word 'pocca', meaning 'pustule' or 'blister', which aligns with the appearance of the rash associated with the disease. It was termed 'chicken' possibly due to the mildness of the disease, similar to how one might refer to a young and less serious version of something. Despite its name, chickenpox has nothing to do with chickens or poultry. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, was first identified in the 1930s, leading to better understanding and eventually the development of a vaccine in the 1990s, which has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease worldwide.