Definition

1. Noun:
   • A highly contagious viral disease: Variola is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus, characterized by fever, weakness, and a distinctive skin rash that progresses to pustules, which form scabs that eventually fall off, often leaving permanent scars. This disease is also commonly known as smallpox.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The global eradication of variola is one of the greatest achievements in public health.
  • Historical records describe the devastating impact of variola on populations with no prior immunity.

Advanced Usage

• "Variola major": The more severe and common form of the disease, with a higher mortality rate.
  • Variola major was the classic form of the disease that caused widespread epidemics.
• "Variola minor": A less common and much less severe form of smallpox.
  • Infection with variola minor resulted in a milder illness and far fewer deaths.

Variants and Related Words

• Smallpox (n): The common name for the disease caused by the variola virus. It is a direct synonym.
  • Smallpox, or variola, was declared eradicated in 1980.
• Variolation (n): An early method of immunization against variola involving the deliberate inoculation of material from smallpox pustules.
  • Before the vaccine, variolation was a risky but sometimes effective practice.

Synonyms

• Smallpox: The most common synonym for variola.

Notes on Meaning

• Historical Context: The word "variola" is primarily used in medical, historical, and scientific contexts. In general conversation, the term "smallpox" is far more common. The disease itself has been eradicated in the wild since 1980.

Noun

1. a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever and weakness and skin eruption with pustules that form scabs that slough off leaving scars