fowl paralysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Veterinary
Quick answer
What does “fowl paralysis” mean?
A viral disease affecting chickens and other domestic fowl, causing progressive weakness and inability to move (paralysis), particularly of the legs and wings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A viral disease affecting chickens and other domestic fowl, causing progressive weakness and inability to move (paralysis), particularly of the legs and wings; also known as Marek's disease.
In historical or lay contexts, it can refer broadly to any paralytic condition in birds. In modern technical contexts, it is a specific, highly contagious herpesvirus-induced disease characterized by tumour formation in nerves and organs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both use the term. The synonym 'Marek's disease' is standard in professional contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Technical, disease-specific term with no additional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Exclusively used in veterinary medicine, poultry farming, and related academic fields.
Grammar
How to Use “fowl paralysis” in a Sentence
The N (in fowl)N (Marek's disease) caused by V (a virus)V (vaccinate) against NVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fowl paralysis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The flock was fowl-paralysed.
- The virus fowl-paralyses the birds.
American English
- The virus fowl-paralyzes the birds.
adjective
British English
- fowl-paralysis symptoms
- a fowl-paralysis outbreak
American English
- fowl-paralysis vaccine
- fowl-paralysis research
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In agribusiness reports on poultry farm losses: 'The outbreak of fowl paralysis resulted in significant culling of the flock.'
Academic
In veterinary research papers: 'The study focused on the molecular pathogenesis of fowl paralysis (Marek's disease).'
Everyday
Very rare. Possibly used by a small-scale poultry keeper: 'I fear my chickens have fowl paralysis; they can't stand.'
Technical
Standard term in veterinary diagnostics and pathology: 'Gross lesions consistent with fowl paralysis were observed in the sciatic nerves.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fowl paralysis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fowl paralysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fowl paralysis”
- Misspelling as 'foul paralysis'.
- Using it as a general term for human conditions.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'fowls paralysis'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, fowl paralysis (Marek's disease) is specific to birds and poses no risk to human health.
It is caused by a highly contagious herpesvirus known as Marek's disease virus (MDV).
There is no cure for infected birds. Management focuses on prevention through vaccination of day-old chicks and strict biosecurity measures.
Progressive paralysis of legs and wings, weight loss, vision impairment, and the formation of tumours in nerves and organs.
A viral disease affecting chickens and other domestic fowl, causing progressive weakness and inability to move (paralysis), particularly of the legs and wings.
Fowl paralysis is usually technical / veterinary in register.
Fowl paralysis: in British English it is pronounced /faʊl pəˈræləsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /faʊl pəˈræləsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FOWL' are birds, and 'PARALYSIS' is loss of movement. Birds that can't move = FOWL PARALYSIS.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS AN ENEMY (invading, controlled by vaccines).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'fowl paralysis' primarily used?