Etymology : singular of measles
Pronunciation : 'mE-z&l
Function : noun
Date : 1863
1. contagious virus occurring mostly in children that is characterized by red spots on the skin. measles\mea"sles\ , n. [from lst measle.] leprosy; also, a leper. [obs.]measles \mea"sles\, n.; pl. in form, but used as singular in senses 1, 2, &.
2. [d. mazelen; akin to g. masern, pl., and e. mazer, and orig. meaning, little spots. see:
mazer.].
3. (med.) a contagious febrile disorder commencing with catarrhal symptoms, and marked by the appearance on the third day of an eruption of distinct red circular spots, which coalesce in a crescentic form, are slightly raised above the surface, and after the fourth day of the eruption gradually decline; rubeola. measles commences with the ordinary symptoms of fever. cyc.
4. (veter. med.) a disease of cattle and swine in which the flesh is filled with the embryos of different varieties of the tapeworm.
5. a disease of trees. [obs.].
6. pl. (zo?l.) the larv? of any tapeworm (t?nia) in the cysticerus stage, when contained in meat. called also bladder worms.
7. Leprosy; also, a leper.
8. A contagious febrile disorder commencing with catarrhal symptoms, and marked by the appearance on the third day of an eruption of distinct red circular spots, which coalesce in a crescentic form, are slightly raised above the surface, and after the fourth day of the eruption gradually decline; rubeola.
9. A disease of cattle and swine in which the flesh is filled with the embryos of different varieties of the tapeworm.
10. A disease of trees.
11. The larvæ of any tapeworm in the cysticerus stage, when contained in meat.
12. Called also bladder worms. an acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash; occurs primarily in children.
13. A leper.
14. A tapeworm larva.
15. See 2d Measles, 4.
16. Measles is an infectious illness that gives you a high temperature and red spots on your skin. an infectious illness in which you have a fever and small red spots on your face and body. People often have measles when they are children. German measles (Perhaps from masel (influenced by mesel (13-16 centuries))). or rubeola Highly contagious viral childhood disease. It initially resembles a severe cold with red eyes and fever; a blotchy rash and higher fever later develop. After recovery, patients have lifelong immunity. Adult patients tend to have more severe cases. Antibiotics now prevent death from secondary infections. Measles itself, for which there is no drug, requires only bed rest, eye protection, and steam for bronchial irritation. A vaccine developed in the 1960s proved not to give permanent immunity and is too heat-sensitive for use in tropical areas. The worldwide incidence of measles continues to rise. Research is currently directed toward development of a more stable vaccine. See also rubella.