sheep measles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+ Technical)Highly specialized; veterinary/agricultural jargon.
Quick answer
What does “sheep measles” mean?
A parasitic condition in sheep caused by tapeworm larvae (Cysticercus ovis), which form cyst-like lesions in the muscles and organs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A parasitic condition in sheep caused by tapeworm larvae (Cysticercus ovis), which form cyst-like lesions in the muscles and organs.
An informal, non-medical term for Cysticercosis ovis, primarily used in livestock farming. It refers to visible cysts in sheep meat, making it unsuitable for human consumption and causing economic loss.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in technical agricultural contexts in both regions. No significant lexical difference.
Connotations
Purely technical/negative (denotes diseased meat).
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of veterinary medicine, abattoir work, or meat inspection professions.
Grammar
How to Use “sheep measles” in a Sentence
The carcass was condemned [because of/for/due to] sheep measles.The vet diagnosed sheep measles [in the flock].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sheep measles” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sheep-measles-infected carcass was destroyed.
- A sheep-measles diagnosis is serious.
American English
- The sheep measles infection rendered the meat unusable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In meat export/import: 'The shipment was rejected due to sheep measles.'
Academic
In veterinary parasitology papers: 'The prevalence of sheep measles in the region was 2%.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in meat inspection reports and veterinary diagnostics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sheep measles”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sheep measles”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sheep measles”
- Using it to refer to sheep pox or other diseases.
- Thinking it is contagious to humans (it is not, though the meat is inedible).
- Spelling: 'sheep measels' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The meat is condemned because the cysts make it unappetizing and unfit for consumption, but the parasite (Cysticercus ovis) does not establish in humans. A different species causes human tapeworm.
No, not at all. The name is purely a visual metaphor. Human measles is a viral infection, while sheep measles is a parasitic condition.
It is professional jargon used by veterinarians, meat inspectors, livestock farmers, and those in the meat trading industry.
The formal name is Cysticercosis ovis or infestation with Cysticercus ovis larvae.
A parasitic condition in sheep caused by tapeworm larvae (Cysticercus ovis), which form cyst-like lesions in the muscles and organs.
Sheep measles: in British English it is pronounced /ʃiːp ˈmiːz(ə)lz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃip ˈmizəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sheep covered in spots like measles, but the spots are actually tiny tapeworm cysts.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS AN INVADER (parasite); UNFITNESS IS IMPURITY (condemned meat).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'sheep measles' primarily associated with?