variolous
/və'raiələs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or characteristic of smallpox: The term "variolous" describes something that pertains to, is caused by, or resembles the disease smallpox (variola).
- Affected with or containing the smallpox virus: It can describe a person, material (like pus or scabs), or a condition associated with the smallpox infection.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The variolous patient was immediately isolated to prevent an outbreak. (The patient with smallpox was immediately isolated.)
- In the 18th century, variolous matter was sometimes used in early inoculation attempts. (Material from smallpox sores was used.)
- The variolous pustules are a hallmark symptom of the disease. (The smallpox-related pustules are a key symptom.)
Advanced Usage
- "Variolous inoculation": A historical term for the deliberate introduction of material from smallpox pustules into the skin of a healthy person to induce a mild case and confer immunity, a precursor to vaccination.
- Variolous inoculation, though risky, was practiced before Edward Jenner developed the cowpox vaccine.
Variants and Related Words
- Variola (n): The medical name for the smallpox virus and the disease it causes.
- Variolation (n): The historical practice of variolous inoculation.
- Varioloid (adj/n): Resembling smallpox; or a mild form of smallpox occurring in a previously vaccinated person.
Synonyms
- Pox-related: Pertaining to smallpox (though "pox" can refer to other diseases like chickenpox).
- Smallpox: When used attributively (e.g., smallpox scab). Note: "Variolous" is the precise adjective form.
Notes on Usage
- Technical/Historical Term: "Variolous" is primarily used in medical, historical, or scientific contexts. It is not common in everyday modern English, especially since the global eradication of smallpox.
- Specificity: It refers specifically to smallpox (variola), not to other diseases that cause pustules or "pox" (e.g., chickenpox).
Adjective
- relating to small pox