psittacosis

noun

psit·​ta·​co·​sis ˌsi-tə-ˈkō-səs 

: an infectious disease of birds caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia psittaci synonym Chlamydophila psittaci), marked by diarrhea and wasting, and transmissible to humans in whom it occurs as a flu-like illness often accompanied by pneumonia

called also ornithosis, parrot fever

psittacotic

ˌsi-tə-ˈkä-tik  -ˈkō- 

adjective

Examples of psittacosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cases of a rare bacterial infection called psittacosis — also known as parrot fever — are on the rise in Europe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024

In 1929 and 1930, there was a global outbreak of psittacosis, an infectious disease that can be transferred from birds to humans. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 12 Dec. 2019

The birds also could transmit diseases to humans, such as psittacosis (parrot fever), avian flu and salmonella, The Guardian reported. —Fox News, 9 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin psittacus

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

psittacosis

noun

psit·​ta·​co·​sis ˌsit-ə-ˈkō-səs 

: an infectious disease of birds caused by a bacterium, marked by diarrhea and loss of weight and strength, and capable of being passed on to human beings

called also parrot fever

Medical Definition

psittacosis

noun

psit·​ta·​co·​sis ˌsit-ə-ˈkō-səs 

plural psittacoses -ˌsēz 

: an infectious disease of birds that is caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia psittaci synonym Chlamydophila psittaci), is marked by diarrhea and wasting, and is transmissible to humans in whom it usually occurs as an atypical pneumonia accompanied by high fever

called also parrot fever

compare ornithosis

psittacotic

-ˈkät-ik  -ˈkōt- 

adjective