How Do You Spell VARIOLOUS?

Pronunciation: [vˈe͡əɹɪələs] (IPA)

Variolous, pronounced /vɛəriələs/, is a medical term used to describe an infectious disease that causes smallpox. The word comes from the Latin word variola, which means "pimple." The spelling of variolous includes silent letters, such as the "o" and "u" in "variola." The phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation of the word, which uses mainly the English sounds "v," "a," "r," "i," "ə," "l," and "s." Accurate spelling is important in accurately communicating information on medical conditions.

VARIOLOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Variolous is an adjective used to describe something that is related to, resembling, or associated with smallpox. The term originates from the Latin word "variola," which means "pimple" or "pustule."

   In its most common usage, variolous refers to the actual smallpox disease caused by the variola virus. Smallpox is a highly contagious and often fatal infectious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with the skin. It is characterized by a distinct fever, body aches, a rash consisting of fluid-filled blisters or pustules, and potential complications such as scarring, blindness, or even death. The adjective variolous can be used to describe various aspects of the disease, including its symptoms, transmission, or historical context.

   Furthermore, the term variolous may also refer to the practice of variolation, which was a precursor to modern vaccination. Variolation involved intentionally infecting an individual with material from a smallpox pustule to induce a milder and controlled form of the disease. This process aimed to confer immunity and reduce the severity of subsequent natural smallpox infections. Variolation was eventually superseded by the discovery of vaccines, which provided a safer and more effective method of preventing smallpox.

   Overall, the term variolous encompasses the disease smallpox itself, as well as the historical practice of variolation. It denotes anything directly related to smallpox or its transmission, often used in medical or historical contexts.

2. • relating to small pox

   • Variolar, variolic, relating to smallpox.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Dotted with numerous small impressions like those of the small-pox; relating to the small-pox.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for VARIOLOUS

• variolas
• cariolous
• bariolous
• gariolous
• fariolous
• vzriolous
• vsriolous
• vwriolous
• vqriolous
• vaeiolous
• vadiolous
• vafiolous
• vatiolous
• va5iolous
• va4iolous
• varuolous
• varjolous
• varkolous
• varoolous
• var9olous

Etymology of VARIOLOUS

The word "variolous" is derived from Latin. It comes from the Latin word "variolus", which means "pertaining to smallpox". The term is formed by combining the root "vario-" meaning "various" or "diverse", and the suffix "-lus", which denotes relation or connection.

Smallpox, a highly contagious and often fatal disease, was caused by the variola virus. The term "variolous" was coined to describe anything related to or associated with smallpox, such as variolous matter or variolous pustules.

Similar spelling word for VARIOLOUS

• Variolic.