varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌver-ə-ˈse-lə 

ˌva-rə-

: chicken pox

Examples of varicella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Suppressing the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus reduces dementia onset. —John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025

Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the most common symptom is a painful, itchy rash. —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Then, in 2022, a study looked to another common virus that had been associated with Alzheimer’s disease – varicella zoster virus (VZV). —Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025

The aim is to intentionally spread the disease to create immunity — as parents have attempted in the past by exposing kids to chicken pox (varicella) Now parents in Texas seem to be trying to spread measles. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from vari- (in variola variola) + Medieval Latin -cella, diminutive suffix (extracted from nouns such as nāvicella, diminutive of Latin nāvicula "boat," diminutive of nāvis "ship")

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for varicella

• arabella
• bartonella
• bordetella
• cinderella
• citronella
• columella
• isabella
• klebsiella
• legionella
• mozzarella
• pasteurella
• salmonella

Medical Definition

varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌvar-ə-ˈsel-ə 

: chicken pox