varicella

[ var-uh-sel-uh ]

/ ˌvær əˈsɛl ə /

Save This Word!

noun Pathology.

chickenpox.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of varicella

1765–75; <New Latin, equivalent to vari(ola) variola + -cella diminutive suffix

OTHER WORDS FROM varicella

var·i·cel·lar, adjective

Words nearby varicella

variance, variant, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, variate, variation, varicella, varicellate, varicella zoster virus, varicelloid, varices, varico-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use varicella in a sentence

I find it interesting that nearly all parents understand the importance of having their kids vaccinated against serious illnesses like mumps, measles, and varicella.
No diet and exercise regimen can make you immune to COVID-19|Richard Bloomer/The Conversation|September 30, 2021|Popular-Science
Colorado had the lowest rates with 81.7 percent for MMR; 80.9 percent for DTaP; and 81.7 percent for varicella.
Mississippi: Last In Everything, First In Vaccinations|Brandy Zadrozny|October 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The virus that causes chicken pox, varicella-zoster virus, or VZV for those in the know, is a tricky customer.
Barbara Walters Hit With Chicken Pox—a Rare Malady Among Octogenarians|Kent Sepkowitz|January 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Varicell′ar, pertaining to varicella; Varicell′oid, resembling varicella.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)|Various

The two forms of impetigo, finally, never display the generalized eruption of severe varicella.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various
Impetigo, impetigo contagiosa, and varicella are all sufficiently common accidents after vaccination.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various
Special remedies may be indicated in isolated cases, but certainly none such are demanded by the varicella.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various

British Dictionary definitions for varicella

varicella

/ (ˌværɪˈsɛlə) /

noun

the technical name for chickenpox

Derived forms of varicella

varicellar, adjective

Word Origin for varicella

C18: New Latin, irregular diminutive of variola

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

Scientific definitions for varicella

varicella

[ văr′ĭ-sĕl′ə ]

See chickenpox.