pertussis

[per-tuhs-is]

noun

Pathology.

1. whooping cough.

pertussis

/ pəˈtʌsɪs /

noun

1. the technical name for whooping cough

pertussis

1. See whooping cough

Other Word Forms

• pertussal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertussis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertussis¹

C18: New Latin, from Latin per- (intensive) + tussis cough

Example Sentences

Another disease to watch out for is pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The school requires students in seventh grade and above to get their Tdap booster, which provides elevated immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, or whooping cough.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious respiratory illness, but it is preventable with a common vaccine.

Read more on Salon