mumps

[ muhmps ]
/ mʌmps /

noun (used with a singular verb) Pathology.

an infectious disease characterized by inflammatory swelling of the parotid and usually other salivary glands, and sometimes by inflammation of the testes or ovaries, caused by a paramyxovirus.

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the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
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Origin of mumps

First recorded in 1590–1600; mump1 + -s3

Words nearby mumps

mummify, mummy, mummy bag, mummy porn, mump, mumps, mumps skin test antigen, mumps virus, mumps virus vaccine, mumpsimus, mumsy

Definition for mumps (2 of 3)

mump1
[ muhmp, moo mp ]
/ mʌmp, mʊmp /
British Dialect

verb (used with object)

to mumble; mutter.

verb (used without object)

to sulk; mope.
to grimace.

Origin of mump

1
1580–90; imitative, apparently akin to mum1; compare Dutch mompen to mumble, German mimpfeln to mumble while eating, Icelandic mumpa to take into the mouth, eat greedily

Definition for mumps (3 of 3)

mump2
[ muhmp, moo mp ]
/ mʌmp, mʊmp /
British Dialect

verb (used with object)

to cheat.

verb (used without object)

to beg.

Origin of mump

2
First recorded in 1645–55, mump is from the Dutch word mompen (obsolete)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for mumps

British Dictionary definitions for mumps (1 of 3)

mumps
/ (mʌmps) /

noun

(functioning as singular or plural) an acute contagious viral disease of the parotid salivary glands, characterized by swelling of the affected parts, fever, and pain beneath the ear: usually affects childrenAlso called: epidemic parotitis

Derived forms of mumps

mumpish, adjective

Word Origin for mumps

C16: from mump 1 (to grimace)

British Dictionary definitions for mumps (2 of 3)

mump1
/ (mʌmp) /

verb

(intr) archaic to be silent

Word Origin for mump

C16 (to grimace, sulk, be silent): of imitative origin, alluding to the shape of the mouth when mumbling or chewing

British Dictionary definitions for mumps (3 of 3)

mump2
/ (mʌmp) /

verb

(intr) archaic to beg

Word Origin for mump

C17: perhaps from Dutch mompen to cheat
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for mumps

mumps
[ mŭmps ]

pl.n.

An acute inflammatory contagious disease caused by a paramyxovirus and characterized by swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotids, and sometimes of the pancreas, ovaries, or testes. This disease, mainly affecting children, can be prevented by vaccination.epidemic parotitis
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for mumps

mumps
[ mŭmps ]

An infectious disease caused by a virus of the family Paramyxoviridae and the genus Rubulavirus, characterized by swelling of the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands, and sometimes of the pancreas, testes, or ovaries. Vaccinations, usually given in early childhood, confer immunity to mumps.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for mumps

mumps

An acute and contagious disease marked by fever and inflammation of the salivary glands. Caused by a virus, mumps is normally a childhood disease that passes with no aftereffects.

notes for mumps

A child who has had mumps is immune from further infection by the mumps virus.
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.