flu

[floo]

noun

1. influenza.

2. a specific variety of influenza, usually named for its point of dissemination or its animal vector.

   Hong Kong flu; swine flu.

flu

/ fluː /

noun

1. short for influenza

2. any of various viral infections, esp a respiratory or intestinal infection

flu

1. See influenza

Word History and Origins

Origin of flu¹

First recorded in 1830–40; shortened form

Example Sentences

When she contracted Asian flu, the virus paralyzed her with “a vise cluster of migraines.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The UK's winter flu season has begun five weeks earlier than usual, health officials are warning.

Read more on BBC

Annual routine flu vaccines are recommended for everyone who is at least 6 months old.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bird flu faded from the headlines in recent months but it’s coming back, and just in time for the holidays.

Read more on Barron's

Bird flu faded from the headlines in recent months but it’s coming back, and just in time for the holidays.

Read more on Barron's

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