anthrax

[ an-thraks ]
/ ˈæn θræks /

noun, plural an·thra·ces [an-thruh-seez] /ˈæn θrəˌsiz/. Pathology.

an infectious, often fatal disease of cattle, sheep, and other mammals, caused by Bacillus anthracis, transmitted to humans by contaminated wool, raw meat, or other animal products.
a malignant carbuncle that is the diagnostic lesion of anthrax disease in humans.

Origin of anthrax

1350–1400; Middle English antrax malignant boil or growth < Latin anthrax carbuncle < Greek ánthrax a coal, carbuncle

Words nearby anthrax

anthracosis, anthranilate, anthranilic acid, anthraquinone, anthraquinone dye, anthrax, anthro, anthrop., anthropic, anthropic principle, anthropo-

Example sentences from the Web for anthrax

British Dictionary definitions for anthrax

anthrax
/ (ˈænθræks) /

noun plural -thraces (-θrəˌsiːz)

a highly infectious and often fatal disease of herbivores, esp cattle and sheep, characterized by fever, enlarged spleen, and swelling of the throat. Carnivores are relatively resistant. It is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis and can be transmitted to man
a pustule or other lesion caused by this disease

Word Origin for anthrax

C19: from Late Latin, from Greek: carbuncle

Medical definitions for anthrax

anthrax
[ ăn′thrăks′ ]

n.

An infectious, usually fatal disease of warm-blooded animals that is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions, can be transmitted to humans, and is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. carbuncle
A lesion caused by anthrax.

Other words from anthrax

an•thrac•ic (ăn-thrăs′ĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for anthrax

anthrax
[ ăn′thrăks′ ]

An infectious, usually fatal disease of mammals, especially cattle and sheep, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The disease is transmitted to humans through cutaneous contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Cutaneous anthrax is marked by the formation of a necrotic skin ulcer, high fever, and toxemia. Inhalation anthrax leads to severe pneumonia that is usually fatal.

Cultural definitions for anthrax

anthrax

An infectious disease transmitted by a bacterium in animals, which can also be transmitted to humans. Often fatal if the bacterium enters the lungs, anthrax is usually treated by antibiotics. Anthrax is a potential weapon in germ warfare and bioterrorism (see also bioterrorism).

notes for anthrax

After the September 11 attacks (2001) in the United States, anthrax spores sent through the mail caused several fatalities.

notes for anthrax

If spores are prepared in a sophisticated way, they can stay in the air and be breathed in by human beings. Anthrax produced in this way is referred to as weaponized anthrax.