Measles

Pronunciation

Plural of Middle English masel, probably from Middle Dutch masel ("blemish") and influenced by measle.

Noun

noun

1. Rubeola, an acute highly contagious disease, (often of childhood) caused by a virus of genus Morbillivirus, featuring a spreading red skin rash, fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes
2. Any of several other similar diseases, such as German measles.

Usage notes

Used with either singular or plural verb.

Derived terms

• measly

See measle

Noun

plural

1. (obsolete) Plural of measle
2. (obsolete) Leprosy.