anthrax

American  

[an-thraks] / ˈæn θræks /

noun

Pathology.

plural

anthraces

1. 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.

2. a malignant carbuncle that is the diagnostic lesion of anthrax disease in humans.

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anthrax British  

/ ˈænθræks /

noun

1. 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

2. a pustule or other lesion caused by this disease

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anthrax Scientific  

/ ăn′thrăks′ /

1. 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.

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anthrax Cultural  

1. 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).

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Discover More

After the September 11 attacks (2001) in the United States, anthrax spores sent through the mail caused several fatalities.

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.

Etymology

Origin of anthrax

1350–1400; Middle English antrax malignant boil or growth < Latin anthrax carbuncle < Greek ánthrax a coal, carbuncle

Example Sentences

The permafrost melted, exposing in the process the frozen carcasses of reindeer who had died an estimated 150 years before thanks to an epidemic of anthrax.

From Salon

The exact cause of the poisoning is unknown but tests have confirmed the presence of anthrax.

From BBC

Dr. Fauci served under seven presidents, shepherding the nation through infectious disease threats including AIDS, swine flu, anthrax and Ebola.

From New York Times

She said her skepticism about vaccines began when her husband, an Air Force veteran, was required to take the anthrax vaccine, which she believes injured him.

From Seattle Times

He addressed issues like anthrax, swine flu and Ebola — each time aiming to quell panic and communicate to the public by telling them what experts know and, perhaps more importantly, what they don’t know.

From Seattle Times