Definition

A viral infection that causes symptoms like fever, sore throat, and fatigue, often associated with an increase in certain white blood cells.

Example

After feeling very tired and having a sore throat, the doctor diagnosed her with mononucleosis.

Conversation

I heard you were feeling sick last week, what happened?

Yeah, the doctor said I have mononucleosis.

Wow, that sounds serious! How long will it take to recover?

They said it might take a few weeks, but I should be fine with some rest.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mononucleosis is formed from "mono-" (meaning one) and "nucleus" (from Latin "nucleus", meaning kernel or core) and the suffix "-osis" (meaning condition or disease). The term refers to a condition characterized by the presence of one large nucleus in the white blood cells, often associated with infectious mononucleosis.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning one, and 'nucleus' referring to the core of a cell, which helps you remember that mononucleosis is a condition involving one large nucleus in the blood.

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