pestis

Found in Anh - Anh (Wordnet)

Definition Noun : 1. A serious, often fatal, infectious disease : Specifically, the disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis , historically known as the plague. It is primarily a disease of rodents but can be transmitted to humans through flea bites or other means. Usage The word "pestis" is a highly specific medical and scientific term. It is almost exclusively used to refer to the caus...