variola Hear it!

variola definition

va·rio·la (və rī′ə lə)

noun

any of a group of viral diseases characterized by pustular eruptions, including smallpox, cowpox, and horsepox

Etymology: ModL < ML, a pustule, prob. altered (based on L varius, various, mottled: see vary) < L varus, pustule, pimple: see varix

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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