Definition

A serious and contagious disease caused by a virus, which leads to fever and a rash of painful blisters on the skin.

Example

Smallpox was a deadly disease that has been eradicated through vaccination efforts.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the history of smallpox?

Yeah, it used to be a really deadly disease, right?

Exactly! It's amazing how vaccination helped eradicate smallpox completely.

I know, it's a huge achievement for public health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Smallpox is formed from "small" (from Old English *smaeall*, meaning little) and "pox" (from Middle English *pocks*, meaning a blister or sore). The term "smallpox" refers to a disease characterized by small blisters on the skin.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' to remember that 'smallpox' refers to a disease with little blisters on the skin.

Visually Confused Words