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Varicella Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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varicella

[ˌværɪˈsɛlə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and primarily affects children, though it can occur in adults as well. The infection typically results in a blister-like rash, fatigue, and fever.

Synonyms

chickenpox.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor diagnosed her with varicella after examining the rash.
  • Varicella vaccination is recommended for children to prevent outbreaks.
  • He had a mild case of varicella and recovered quickly.
  • The varicella virus can remain dormant in the body and later cause shingles.

Translations

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Origin of 'varicella'

The term 'varicella' originates from the Latin word 'variola', meaning 'pock', which refers to the spots or blisters that appear on the skin during the infection. The prefix 'varicella-' is a diminutive form indicating 'little pocks'. Varicella was recognized as a distinct disease as early as the 19th century, separated from smallpox which shares similar symptoms but is caused by a different virus. The widespread use of the varicella vaccine since the 1990s has significantly reduced the incidence of this illness in many countries, demonstrating the impact of vaccination programs on public health.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,966, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.