Marek's disease

noun

: a highly contagious virus disease of poultry that is marked especially by proliferation of lymphoid cells and is caused by either of two herpesviruses (species Gallid herpesvirus 2 and Gallid herpesvirus 3 of the genus Mardivirus)

Word History

Etymology

József Marek †1952 Hungarian veterinarian

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Marek's disease was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Marek's disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Marek%27s%20disease. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

Marek's disease

noun
: a highly contagious virus disease of poultry that is characterized especially by proliferation of lymphoid cells and is caused by either of two herpesviruses (species Gallid herpesvirus 2 and Gallid herpesvirus 3)

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