typhus

[tahy-fuhs]

noun

Pathology.

1. an acute, infectious disease caused by several species of Rickettsia, transmitted by lice and fleas, and characterized by acute prostration, headache, and a peculiar eruption of reddish spots on the body.

typhus

/ ˈtaɪfəs /

noun

1. Also called: typhus fever. any one of a group of acute infectious rickettsial diseases characterized by high fever, skin rash, and severe headache

typhus

1. Any of several forms of an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia transmitted by fleas, mites, or especially lice, and characterized by severe headache, high fever, and skin rash. Louse-born bacteria that cause typhus are especially virulent and can cause epidemics of the disease, which may be fatal in people with weakened immune systems.

typhus

1. A group of acute and contagious diseases, often fatal, marked by severe headaches and high fever. Typhus is transmitted to humans by fleas, lice, or mites that are infected with the microorganism that causes the disease.

Other Word Forms

• typhous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of typhus¹

1635–45; < New Latin < Greek tŷphos vapor

Word History and Origins

Origin of typhus¹

C18: from New Latin tӯphus, from Greek tuphos fever; related to tuphein to smoke

Example Sentences

“Hitler was fighting communists and made multiple attempts to end the war. Most deaths in the camps were from typhus. Winston Churchill is one of the most evil men who ever lived,” Borysenko said.

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In the U.S., most cases of flea-borne typhus occur in Texas, California and Hawaii, with an average of about 300 cases each year nationwide, according to the California Department of Public Health.

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The Central City Assn. argued that a court order against destroying homeless people’s property impeded enforcement and fostered disorder and disease, including a typhus outbreak.

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Outbreaks of cholera and typhus added to the mortality rate and the decision was taken to use the three-acre site near the Union Workhouse for burials.

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He first marched to concentration camp Buchenwald and later on to Terezin, where he was liberated on the brink of death from exhaustion and typhus.

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