cholera

American  

[kol-er-uh] / ˈkɒl ər ə /

noun

1. Also called Asiatic cholera.  Pathology. an acute, infectious disease, endemic in India and China and occasionally epidemic elsewhere, characterized by profuse diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, etc.

2. Veterinary Pathology. any of several diseases of domesticated animals that are characterized by depression, sleepiness, lack of appetite, and diarrhea.

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cholera British  

/ ˈkɒlərə /

noun

1. Also called: Asiatic cholera.   epidemic cholera.   Indian cholera.  an acute intestinal infection characterized by severe diarrhoea, cramp, etc: caused by ingestion of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio comma

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cholera Scientific  

/ kŏl′ər-ə /

1. An infectious, sometimes fatal disease of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is spread from contaminated water and food and causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

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cholera Cultural  

1. An acute disease, and an infectious disease, caused by a kind of bacterium that affects the intestines. Transmitted by food or water that has been contaminated with raw sewage, cholera is often fatal and is characterized by severe vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse.

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Other Word Forms

• choleraic
  adjective
• choleroid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cholera

First recorded in 1600–05 in sense “gastrointestinal disease” and in 1800–05 for its current meaning cholera ( def. 1 ); from Latin: “disease caused by bile,” from Greek choléra; see choler

Explanation

Cholera is a contagious disease that affects the small intestine. In places without safe, clean drinking water, cholera is common and can be deadly, especially for children. This infectious disease is caused by bacteria found in dirty water or food cooked in unsanitary conditions. Around the world, about five million people get cholera each year, mainly in countries that can't afford modern sanitation. Cholera kills about 150,000 annually, many of them very young children. The root of cholera means "bile;" in ancient Greek medicine, choler was one of the four humors and considered to be the cause of "irascibility or temper."

Example Sentences

Cholera remains a serious public health concern in regions with limited access to clean water, particularly in parts of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, often from faeces.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

Cholera is a fast developing and highly contagious disease.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2024

Cholera patients experience many symptoms, ranging from unpleasant to deadly.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2024

Cholera didn’t discriminate, killing adults and children in the south and the north.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock