rubella

American  

[roo-bel-uh] / ruˈbɛl ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a usually mild contagious viral disease characterized by fever, mild upper respiratory congestion, and a fine red rash lasting a few days: if contracted by a woman during early pregnancy, it may cause serious damage to the fetus.

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rubella British  

/ ruːˈbɛlə /

noun

1. Also called: German measles.  a mild contagious viral disease, somewhat similar to measles, characterized by cough, sore throat, skin rash, and occasionally vomiting. It can cause congenital defects if caught during the first three months of pregnancy

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rubella Scientific  

/ ro̅o̅-bĕl′ə /

1. See German measles

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rubella Cultural  

1. See German measles.

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Etymology

Origin of rubella

1880–85; < New Latin, noun use of neuter plural of Latin rubellus reddish, derivative of ruber red ¹; for formation see castellum

Compare meaning

How does rubella compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• rubella vs. rubeola
• roseola vs. rubella

Example Sentences

Students arriving at the military academies get a regimen of shots on their first day - such as measles, mumps and Rubella - if they aren’t already vaccinated.

From Washington Times • May 14, 2022

Some of the required vaccines for diseases like Rubella, chickenpox and hepatitis A also were developed using similar cells.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2021

Some of the required vaccines, including those against Rubella, chickenpox and hepatitis A, also were developed using similar cells.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2021

Rubella, as the disease came to be called in an effort to distinguish it from the “red measles,” is a mild disease for adults, but can be harmful to fetuses in utero.

From Slate • Feb. 9, 2021

With Ms. Gray describing her inspirations as the Punk band Rubella Ballet, the mechanics of Fernand Léger and Hockney opera sets, the riotous collection could bring only sunshine to a gray day.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2012