Definition

1. 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.

Noun

1. an acute communicable disease (usually in children) characterized by fever and a red rash