bluetongue

American  

[bloo-tuhng] / ˈbluˌtʌŋ /

noun

Veterinary Pathology.

1. a viral disease of sheep and sometimes cattle, transmitted by biting insects and characterized by high fever, excessive salivation, swelling of the face and tongue, and cyanosis of the tongue.

---

bluetongue ¹ British  

/ ˌbluːˈtʌŋ /

noun

1. an Australian lizard, Tiliqua scincoides , having a cobalt-blue tongue

---

bluetongue ² British  

/ ˌbluːˈtʌŋ /

noun

1. vet science a viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants transmitted by arthropods and characterized by reproductive problems or vasculitis. Sheep, which are most frequently affected, develop swelling of the face and a cyanotic tongue

---

Etymology

Origin of bluetongue

First recorded in 1860–65; blue + tongue

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bluetongue

Jim Fairlie, the Scottish government's minister for agriculture, marine and the islands, said bluetongue is "not going away any time soon" and called the restricted zone covering the whole of Scotland a "practical, sensible step."

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

A new heat map, external has also been published so farmers can see where suspected and confirmed cases of bluetongue were being reported, said Defra.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

Farmers previously needed to wait for samples to be sent to a laboratory to confirm bluetongue but the government said vets would now be able to diagnose the disease after examining the animals.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

An agricultural show will not feature any cattle, sheep or goats this year as cases of the potentially deadly bluetongue rise.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

He encouraged farmers to be "vigilant" and "aware of the signs of bluetongue".

From BBC ● Dec. 6, 2025

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---