cholera Hear it!

cholera definition

chol·era (kälər ə)

noun

any of various intestinal diseases; specif., an acute, severe, infectious disease (Asiatic cholera) common in Asia, caused by bacteria (Vibrio cholerae) and characterized by profuse diarrhea, intestinal pain, and dehydration

Etymology: L, jaundice < Gr, cholera, nausea < cholē, gall bile < IE base *ĝhel- > yellow

Related Forms:

  • choleraic chol′·era′ic (-ə rāik) adjective

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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