Definition

Noun: 1. A type of smallpox virus: A strain of the Variola virus that causes a less severe form of smallpox, characterized by a significantly lower fatality rate (approximately 1%) compared to the classic form (variola major). 2. A mild form of smallpox: The disease itself, caused by the variola minor virus, resulting in a less pronounced rash and milder systemic symptoms.

Usage Examples

• As the virus: "The variola minor virus is genetically distinct from the more deadly variola major."
• As the disease: "Patients infected with variola minor typically recover without the severe scarring common in classic smallpox."

Advanced Usage

• In historical/medical context: The term is used to differentiate between the two principal forms of smallpox. "While variola major ravaged populations, outbreaks of variola minor in the 20th century were far less lethal."

Variants and Related Words

• Alastrim: A synonym for the disease caused by variola minor.
• Variola major: The antonymous term for the severe, classic form of smallpox.
• Smallpox: The overarching disease category caused by the virus.

Synonyms

• Alastrim
• Cottonpox (historical term)
• Milkpox (historical term)
• The minor form of smallpox

Antonyms

• Variola major

Noun

1. a type of smallpox virus that has a fatality rate of about 1 percent
2. a mild form of smallpox caused by a less virulent form of the virus