Definition

1. Noun:
   • An infectious bacterial disease of the respiratory tract: "Whooping cough" is a serious, highly contagious illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that often end with a high-pitched "whoop" sound when the person inhales.

Usage

• "Whooping cough" is used as a non-count noun to name the disease itself. It is commonly discussed in medical, public health, and parental contexts.
• Example:
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • Public health officials are concerned about an outbreak of whooping cough in the community.
  • The characteristic symptom of whooping cough is a paroxysmal cough followed by a whooping sound.

Advanced Usage

• "to contract whooping cough": to become infected with the disease.
  • Despite being vaccinated, some children can still contract a mild case of whooping cough.
• "whooping cough vaccine/immunization": referring to the preventive medical treatment.
  • The whooping cough vaccine is typically administered in combination with vaccines for diphtheria and tetanus.

Variants and Related Words

• Pertussis (n): The medical, scientific term for whooping cough. This term is used in formal medical contexts.
  • The doctor diagnosed the patient with pertussis.

Synonyms

• Pertussis: The direct medical synonym.

Related Phrases

• "The hundred-day cough": An informal, descriptive name for whooping cough, referring to its long duration.
  • In some cultures, whooping cough is known as "the hundred-day cough" because it can last for weeks.

Noun

1. a disease of the respiratory mucous membrane