smallpox: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Medical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “smallpox” mean?
An acute, highly contagious, often fatal viral disease characterized by fever and pustules that leave permanent scars.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An acute, highly contagious, often fatal viral disease characterized by fever and pustules that leave permanent scars.
A disease eradicated globally, now often used metaphorically for something highly dangerous and contagious that must be eliminated or as a historical reference point.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical difference. Medical terminology is identical.
Connotations
Identical historical and medical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “smallpox” in a Sentence
[subject] eradicated smallpox[subject] vaccinated against smallpoxan outbreak of smallpox [complement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “smallpox” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- smallpox vaccination
- smallpox scares
American English
- smallpox vaccine
- smallpox outbreak
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in biotech/pharma: 'The company developed a platform based on smallpox vaccine technology.'
Academic
Common in history, medicine, public health: 'The global eradication of smallpox is a landmark achievement.'
Everyday
Low. Mainly historical/metaphorical: 'My grandma had a smallpox scar on her arm.'
Technical
Core in virology and epidemiology: 'Variola major is the more severe form of smallpox.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “smallpox”
- Using 'smallpox' to refer to chickenpox or mild skin conditions.
- Misspelling as 'small pocks' or 'small pox'. It is a solid compound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Naturally occurring smallpox has been eradicated. The only known virus stocks are held in high-security labs, making it a potential bioterrorism concern, not a natural disease threat.
They are completely different diseases caused by unrelated viruses. Smallpox (variola) was far more severe and deadly, with a distinct rash pattern and higher mortality rate.
Routine vaccination ended after eradication. The vaccine is now primarily given to certain military personnel, researchers, and is stockpiled for emergency response.
To distinguish it from the 'Great Pox', which was an old term for syphilis. The pustules of smallpox were typically smaller than the skin lesions of syphilis.
An acute, highly contagious, often fatal viral disease characterized by fever and pustules that leave permanent scars.
Smallpox is usually formal, medical/historical in register.
Smallpox: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsmɔːlpɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsmɑːlpɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like avoiding the smallpox (archaic: avoiding something at all costs).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SMALLpox left SMALL, pitted scars on the skin.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALLPOX is a DANGEROUS CONTAGION (used for ideas, threats).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason 'smallpox' is rarely used in everyday conversation today?