Definition

Having spots or blotches, especially due to an infection like measles.

Example

The measled pig was not suitable for sale at the market.

Conversation

Have you ever seen pork that looked measled?

Yeah, I saw some at the market last week; it looked really odd.

I wonder if it's safe to eat something that looks measled.

I think it's better to avoid it just to be safe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'measled' originates from the Old English 'masel' (meaning a disease characterized by spots or blemishes), which is related to the Middle English 'mesel' (meaning leprous or diseased). The suffix '-ed' indicates a past participle form. Thus, 'measled' refers to being affected by measles, characterized by the spots associated with the disease.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for a disease with spots ('masel') to remember that 'measled' describes someone affected by measles, marked by those distinctive spots.

Visually Confused Words