smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus (species Variola virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus), is characterized by a skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

Examples of smallpox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vaccination against the smallpox virus could end, a global commission announced. —Byjon Cohen, science.org, 16 Aug. 2024

This can be caused by diseases like scurvy, smallpox, and nutritional deprivation. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

While there is no treatment, doctors are testing to see if the treatment for smallpox, TPOXX, could have any affect on mpox as the viruses are similar in nature. —Jordan Green, The Tennessean, 19 Aug. 2024

Proper vaccination can reduce disease transmission rates 40% to 50% for flu and COVID-19, 80% for child pneumococcal cases, upward of 90% for chickenpox and 100% for diseases such as polio and smallpox. —Libby Richards, The Conversation, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: a sometimes deadly disease that is caused by a virus, is characterized by fever and a skin rash, and is believed to have been wiped out worldwide as a result of vaccination

Medical Definition

smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Orthopoxvirus (species Variola virus), is characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

see variola major, variola minor