Pronunciation: [ˈanθɹaks] (IPA) 
The word "anthrax" is spelled with the letters A-N-T-H-R-A-X, with the stress on the first syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈænθræks/. The "th" sound in both syllables is pronounced as the voiceless dental fricative /θ/. The "a" sound is pronounced as the short vowel /æ/. This word refers to an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, and it can affect both humans and animals.
Anthrax is a noun referring to a serious infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This disease primarily affects livestock (such as sheep, goats, and cattle) but can also be transmitted to humans. The name "anthrax" comes from the Greek word "anthrakis," meaning "coal" or "carbuncle." This term alludes to the distinctive black, coal-like ulcerations that can develop on the skin of infected individuals.
The bacterium Bacillus anthracis releases spores that can survive in the environment for long periods. Human transmission most commonly occurs through direct contact with infected animals or their products, such as wool, skin, or meat. An individual may also contract anthrax by inhaling the spores or through accidental ingestion. The disease has three primary clinical forms: cutaneous, inhalation, and gastrointestinal anthrax, each with distinct symptoms and routes of infection.
Cutaneous anthrax involves the entry of spores into the skin through cuts or abrasions, leading to an ulcer or blister at the site of infection. Inhalation anthrax occurs when spores are inhaled, resulting in symptoms resembling a severe respiratory infection. Gastrointestinal anthrax develops after ingesting contaminated meat, and it is characterized by inflammation of the intestinal lining.
Anthrax can be treated effectively with antibiotics, particularly if diagnosed early. Vaccines are also available to prevent infection. Due to its potential for use as a bioweapon, anthrax is of significant concern from a public health and national security perspective.
1. Carbuncle. 2. Splenic fever, an infectious disease of animals, especially the herbivora, due to the presence in the blood of Bacillus anthracis. 3. Wool-sorters disease (pulmonary form), mycosis intestinalis (gastroenteric form), malignant pustule or malignant edema (cutaneous form), occurring in man from infection with Bacillus anthracis; the disease is marked by hemorrhage and serous effusions in the organs and cavities in the body, and symptoms of extreme prostration.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The word "anthrax" has its origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "ánthrax" (ἄνθραξ), which means "coal" or "charcoal". This is due to the black skin ulcers that form in cases of cutaneous anthrax, resembling burning coals. The term was later adopted into Latin as "anthrax" and eventually entered English as "anthrax".
