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cholera

The definition of cholera is an intestinal disease that causes excessive diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

(noun)

An example of cholera is a disease that comes from drinking water that has been tainted by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

See cholera in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

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

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

Related Forms:

choleraic adjective

See cholera in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An acute infectious disease of the small intestine, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, severe dehydration, and depletion of electrolytes. Also called Asiatic cholera.
Any of various diseases of domesticated animals, such as chickens, turkeys, or hogs, marked by severe gastroenteritis.

Origin:

Origin: Latin, cholera, jaundice; see choler

Related Forms: