foulbrood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low)Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “foulbrood” mean?
A destructive bacterial disease of honeybee larvae.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A destructive bacterial disease of honeybee larvae.
A term occasionally used metaphorically to describe any corrupting or decaying influence within a closed, highly organized system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation may vary slightly.
Connotations
Highly negative within its domain, implying contagion, death of the colony, and significant economic loss for beekeepers.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “foulbrood” in a Sentence
N of foulbroodV foulbrood (rare)ADJ foulbroodVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foulbrood” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The colony was foulbrooding, so the beekeeper had to act.
American English
- Beekeepers dread a hive that starts to foulbrood.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- They found a foulbrood frame in the supers.
American English
- A foulbrood diagnosis means the equipment is often burned.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of commercial apiculture and honey production, referring to a major operational and financial threat.
Academic
Used in entomology, veterinary science, and agricultural research papers.
Everyday
Virtually unknown and unused.
Technical
The primary domain of use, with precise diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foulbrood”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foulbrood”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foulbrood”
- Spelling as 'fowlbrood' (confusing with birds).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The hive foulbrooded').
- Assuming general understandability outside beekeeping contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the bacteria that cause foulbrood are specific to honeybee larvae and pose no risk to human health.
Recovery is very rare. Standard practice, especially for American Foulbrood (AFB), is to destroy the infected colony and burn the equipment to prevent spread.
They are caused by different bacteria (Paenibacillus larvae vs. Melissococcus plutonius). AFB is generally considered more severe and persistent, affecting sealed brood cells, while EFB affects unsealed larvae.
Antibiotics can suppress symptoms of European Foulbrood but are not a cure and are banned in many regions for honey production. There is no cure for American Foulbrood; destruction is the recommended control.
A destructive bacterial disease of honeybee larvae.
Foulbrood is usually technical, scientific in register.
Foulbrood: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊlbruːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊlbruːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; term is too technical]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FOUL (rotten) BROOD (baby bees) = a rotten disease affecting baby bees.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE AS A CORRUPTING FORCE / A PLAGUE UPON THE SOCIETY (of the hive).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'foulbrood' primarily associated with?