infectious mononucleosis

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. an acute, infectious form of mononucleosis associated with Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by sudden fever and a benign swelling of lymph nodes.

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infectious mononucleosis British  

noun

1. Also called: glandular fever.  an acute infectious disease, caused by Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen and painful lymph nodes, and abnormal lymphocytes in the blood

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Etymology

Origin of infectious mononucleosis

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Transmitted mainly through saliva, the virus can lead to infectious mononucleosis, or “kissing disease,” in newly infected teens and young adults.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 14, 2022

There are other viral illnesses that produce a post-viral fatigue syndrome, such as infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as mono, which is more commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2022

A few days before New Year’s Eve, Olivia underwent tests for coronavirus, parvovirus, which causes a respiratory illness that is typically mild, and Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, an illness common among teenagers.

From Washington Post • Mar. 19, 2022

It is also the virus most often responsible for infectious mononucleosis, a disease usually characterized by extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2022

Everyone else is infected in adolescence and young adulthood, when Epstein-Barr usually leads to infectious mononucleosis, also called “kissing disease” because it is transmitted via saliva.

From Scientific American • Jan. 13, 2022