pertussis

American  

[per-tuhs-is] / pərˈtʌs ɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. whooping cough.

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pertussis British  

/ pəˈtʌsɪs /

noun

1. the technical name for whooping cough

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pertussis Scientific  

/ pər-tŭs′ĭs /

1. See whooping cough

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Other Word Forms

• pertussal adjective

Etymology

Origin of pertussis

1790–1800; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin per- per- + tussis a cough

Explanation

Pertussis is an illness that causes severe coughing, which can last for weeks or even months. Luckily, there is a vaccine for babies that protects them from getting pertussis. Pertussis is more commonly known as whooping cough for the distinctive, gasping "whoop" sound made during a coughing fit. Pertussis is highly contagious and especially dangerous for very young children and babies, who can stop breathing. The vaccine is very effective at preventing pertussis, although booster shots need to be given over time. Pertussis comes from per-, "thoroughly, and tussis, "cough."

Example Sentences

Cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, for instance, used to be rare, but are now a monthly occurrence, she said.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2025

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis, which attack the upper respiratory system and can cause airways to swell, according to the CDC.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2025

The CDC says vaccination is the best way to protect against pertussis.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2024

Across California, there were fewer than 300 reported cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, all of last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024

As if these had not been enough, diphtheria, malaria, mumps, pertussis, plague, tuberculosis, and yellow fever came up close behind.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond