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Murrain Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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murrain

[ˈmɜːrən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal disease

Murrain refers to a contagious disease affecting livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats. It can lead to severe illness or death among affected animals, significantly impacting agricultural productivity and economies reliant on livestock. The term is often used historically to describe various infectious diseases in animals.

Synonyms

epizootic, plague.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer lost several sheep to murrain last year.
  • Murrain outbreaks can devastate local farming communities.
  • Veterinarians are studying the causes of murrain in cattle.
  • The region experienced a murrain that spread rapidly among goats.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated from the Latin word 'morrere', which means 'to die', reflecting its deadly nature.
  • It was commonly used in the Middle Ages to describe livestock diseases, highlighting the importance of animal health to farming communities.
  • In Old English, the concept was closely linked to the idea of 'pestilence', affecting both animals and humans.

Literature

  • Murrain appears in Shakespeare's works, showcasing its significance in Elizabethan society, particularly concerning agriculture.
  • The word has also been used in various poems to convey themes of loss and mortality, especially in rural contexts.

Science

  • Various diseases historically classified as murrain included anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease, significant threats to livestock.
  • Understanding murrain led to the development of veterinary medicine, aiding in the management of animal health and disease prevention.

Cultural Impact

  • Throughout history, outbreaks of murrain have caused economic distress in agrarian societies, emphasizing the need for animal care.
  • In folklore, murrain has often been viewed as a punishment or ill omen, reflecting cultural beliefs about health and morality.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the term is rarely used outside of historical contexts, as modern medicine provides more specific disease names.
  • In veterinary science, an understanding of historical diseases like murrain still informs current practices and preventive measures.

Origin of 'murrain'

The word 'murrain' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French 'morrain' and further traced back to the Latin 'morina', which relates to 'death' or 'to die'. The term originally appeared in the context of livestock diseases, reflecting the serious consequences such illnesses had on agrarian societies. Its usage became more prevalent during times when diseases could decimate entire herds, causing significant economic hardships for farmers. Over the centuries, 'murrain' has been used in literature and legal documents to denote outbreaks that posed a threat to agriculture. While the term is not as commonly used today, it remains a part of the historical vocabulary related to animal husbandry and veterinary medicine.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,749, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.