Distemper: meaning, definitions and examples

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distemper

 

[ dษชsหˆtษ›mpษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal disease

Distemper refers to a viral disease that primarily affects dogs but can also infect other species such as ferrets and cats. It is characterized by fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, and neurological symptoms, including seizures and coordination issues. The disease is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially in puppies or unvaccinated animals. Preventive vaccination is crucial to protect pets from distemper, making it an essential part of regular veterinary care.

Synonyms

disease, infection, virus

Examples of usage

  • The veterinarian diagnosed the puppy with distemper.
  • Vaccination can prevent distemper in dogs.
  • Symptoms of distemper include fever and coughing.
Context #2 | Noun

mood disorder

In a more archaic sense, distemper refers to a state of disorder, especially regarding one's temper or disposition. It is often used to describe a feeling of irritability or ill temper, potentially resulting from stress or emotional imbalance. In literature, it can symbolize madness or a lack of harmony within one's psyche.

Synonyms

discontent, disorder, rage

Examples of usage

  • His distemper was evident during the argument.
  • She spoke of a distemper affecting the whole town.
  • Their distemper led to a series of misunderstandings.

Translations

Translations of the word "distemper" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น distemper

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคฟเคธเฅเคŸเฅ‡เค‚เคชเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Staupe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ distemper

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะธัั‚ั€ะพั„ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ distemper

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใ‚นใƒ†ใƒณใƒ‘ใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท maladie de Carrรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ moquillo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท distemper

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋””์Šคํ…œํผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑุถ ุงู„ูƒู„ุงุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ psinka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ psinka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็Šฌ็˜Ÿ็ƒญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kuลพna

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hundapesta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะธัั‚ะตะผะฟะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ˜แƒกแƒขแƒ”แƒ›แƒžแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ distemper

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ moquillo

Etymology

The word 'distemper' originates from the Middle English term 'distemperen', which means to disturb in balance or to disrupt. This comes from the Old French word 'destemprer', relating to a state of imbalance or disorder, particularly in the four humors theory of medicine prevalent in the Middle Ages. Initially, 'distemper' described an imbalance in bodily fluids believed to affect health and temperament. Over time, its usage shifted, particularly in veterinary medicine, where it became associated with specific diseases affecting animals, particularly canines. The evolution of language transformed 'distemper' to encompass both the idea of physical illness in animals and a more metaphorical interpretation related to emotional or psychological states. The importance of preventing distemper in pets has led to its frequent mention in veterinary practices today.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,971, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.