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

But after reviewing the growing body of scientific evidence, Franklin—who tragically lost his unvaccinated son to smallpox—became a vocal advocate for vaccination. —Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Our rating: False The World Health Organization declared smallpox officially eradicated in 1980. —Chris Mueller, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Nov. 2024

By the time British captain James Cook arrived in 1774, the Rapa Nui population had plummeted and was decimated further in the 1800s by smallpox epidemics and Peruvian slave raids. —Catherine Garcia, theweek, 27 Nov. 2024

The generation that the Space Race inspired went on to become the scientists, mathematicians, and engineers who eradicated smallpox, built the personal computer, created the first recombinant DNA molecule, drew attention to climate change, and put the global community on a path toward a solution. —Reynold Verret, Fortune, 27 Nov. 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