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anthrax definition

an·thrax (an′t̸hraks′)

noun pl. anthraces -·thra·ces′ (-t̸hrə sēz′)

  1. an infectious hemorrhagic disease of wild and domesticated animals, esp. cattle and sheep, which is caused by a bacillus (Bacillus anthracis) and can be transmitted to people: it is characterized by black pustules
  2. any such pustule
  3. blackleg (sense )

Etymology: ME antrax < L anthrax, virulent ulcer < Gr (burning) coal, hence ulcer, carbuncle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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