German measles

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. rubella.

---

German measles British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a nontechnical name for rubella

---

German measles Scientific  

/ jûr′mən /

1. An infectious disease caused by the rubella virus of the genus Rubivirus, characterized by mild fever and skin rash. German measles can cause congenital defects if a woman is exposed during early pregnancy.

2. Also called rubella

---

German measles Cultural  

1. An acute and contagious disease, caused by a virus, producing symptoms milder than those usually associated with measles.

---

Discover More

German measles can cause severe congenital defects in the developing embryo or fetus of a woman who contracts the disease in her first three months of pregnancy.

Etymology

Origin of German measles

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Two more children swiftly followed: Lady Helen and Lord Nicholas Windsor - but, in 1975, Katharine caught German measles during her fourth pregnancy.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2025

Rubella, also known as German measles because German scientists classified it in the 19th century, is a moderate illness for most patients, identified by a spotty and often itchy red rash.

From New York Times • May 21, 2024

But he was removed from the mission a few days before launch after being exposed to German measles.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2023

Bristling, a student from Bremen said “What is this German measles? There is nothing German about it!”

From Scientific American • Aug. 11, 2021

The diet should be that recommended for German measles.

From The Home Medical Library, Volume I (of VI) by Winslow, Kenelm