scarlet fever
/'skɑ:lit'fi:və/
Học thuậtThân thiện
A young child with scarlet fever rests in bed, showing a red rash on their cheeks.
Definition
- Noun:
- An acute communicable disease: Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that spreads easily between people.
- Characterized by fever and a red rash: The illness typically causes a high temperature and a distinctive bright red rash on the skin.
- Usually in children: While it can affect anyone, it is most common in children.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The school sent a letter to parents after a case of scarlet fever was confirmed.
- Before antibiotics, scarlet fever was a much more dangerous childhood illness.
- Symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, fever, and a rough, red rash.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Medical Context: The term is used in medical history to describe a once-common and feared childhood disease.
- In the 19th century, scarlet fever epidemics were a major public health concern.
Variants and Related Words
- Scarlatina (n): A less common, alternative medical name for scarlet fever.
- The doctor's notes listed the diagnosis as scarlatina.
Synonyms
- Scarlatina: The direct synonym, primarily used in medical terminology.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- (Humorous/jocular) "To have scarlet fever": An old, informal phrase meaning to have a strong attraction to men in military uniform, particularly red-coated soldiers historically. This is a figurative, non-literal use.
- Her grandmother joked about having scarlet fever when she was young, referring to her fondness for sailors.
A young child with scarlet fever rests in bed, showing a red rash on their cheeks.
Noun
- an acute communicable disease (usually in children) characterized by fever and a red rash