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mumps definition

mumps (mumps)

noun

an acute communicable disease, usually of childhood, caused by a paramyxovirus and characterized by swelling of the salivary glands, esp. the parotid, and, in adults, often complicated by inflammation of the testes, ovaries, etc.

Etymology: pl. of obs. mump, a grimace: prob. from patient's appearance

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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