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anthrax
[ an-thraks ]
/ ˈæn θræks /
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noun, plural an·thra·ces [an-thruh-seez]. /ˈæn θrəˌsiz/. Pathology.
an infectious, often fatal disease of cattle, sheep, and other mammals, caused by Bacillus anthracis, transmitted to humans by contaminated wool, raw meat, or other animal products.
a malignant carbuncle that is the diagnostic lesion of anthrax disease in humans.
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Origin of anthrax
1350–1400; Middle English antrax malignant boil or growth <Latin anthrax carbuncle <Greek ánthrax a coal, carbuncle
Words nearby anthrax
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use anthrax in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for anthrax
anthrax
/ (ˈænθræks) /
noun plural -thraces (-θrəˌsiːz)
a highly infectious and often fatal disease of herbivores, esp cattle and sheep, characterized by fever, enlarged spleen, and swelling of the throat. Carnivores are relatively resistant. It is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis and can be transmitted to man
a pustule or other lesion caused by this disease
Word Origin for anthrax
C19: from Late Latin, from Greek: carbuncle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for anthrax
anthrax
[ ăn′thrăks′ ]
n.
An infectious, usually fatal disease of warm-blooded animals that is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions, can be transmitted to humans, and is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.carbuncle
A lesion caused by anthrax.
Other words from anthrax
an•thrac•ic (ăn-thrăs′ĭk) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for anthrax
anthrax
[ ăn′thrăks′ ]
An infectious, usually fatal disease of mammals, especially cattle and sheep, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The disease is transmitted to humans through cutaneous contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Cutaneous anthrax is marked by the formation of a necrotic skin ulcer, high fever, and toxemia. Inhalation anthrax leads to severe pneumonia that is usually fatal.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for anthrax
anthrax
An infectious disease transmitted by a bacterium in animals, which can also be transmitted to humans. Often fatal if the bacterium enters the lungs, anthrax is usually treated by antibiotics. Anthrax is a potential weapon in germ warfare and bioterrorism (see also bioterrorism).
notes for anthrax
After the September 11 attacks (2001) in the United States, anthrax spores sent through the mail caused several fatalities.
notes for anthrax
If spores are prepared in a sophisticated way, they can stay in the air and be breathed in by human beings. Anthrax produced in this way is referred to as weaponized anthrax.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.