YELLOW JACK Meaning and
Definition
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Yellow jack refers to a colloquial term used to describe a flag or a signal with a yellow color, traditionally used in maritime settings to convey a warning of infection or contagious diseases, particularly within the context of quarantine procedures. The term is derived from the practice of raising a yellow flag, often called a quarantine flag or yellow jack, on a ship to signal that the vessel and its occupants are under quarantine due to suspected contagious diseases on board.
The historical significance of yellow jack dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when outbreaks of deadly diseases such as yellow fever were common in port towns and cities. The yellow flag, typically raised at the main mast of a ship, served as a visual indication to the local authorities that the vessel needed to be isolated and prevented from docking until the necessary quarantine measures were implemented.
Although the specific design of the yellow flag may vary, it is typically a solid, rectangular or triangular piece of fabric with a bright yellow color. In modern times, the term "yellow jack" is also used metaphorically to describe a situation or person associated with quarantine or the need for caution, similar to the usage of the term "a red flag" to indicate a warning of potential danger.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for YELLOW JACK
- tellow jack
- gellow jack
- hellow jack
- uellow jack
- 7ellow jack
- 6ellow jack
- ywllow jack
- ysllow jack
- ydllow jack
- yrllow jack
- y4llow jack
- y3llow jack
- yeklow jack
- yeplow jack
- yeolow jack
- yelkow jack
- yelpow jack
- yeloow jack
- yelliw jack
Etymology of YELLOW JACK
The term "yellow jack" has its origins in naval terminology and refers to a yellow flag or pennant that was historically used to signal quarantine on ships during times of epidemic diseases. The word "jack" in this context means a small flag or pennant, typically flown from a ship's mast.
The term "yellow jack" specifically came into use in the 19th century, most notably during outbreaks of yellow fever. The yellow flag was raised to indicate that a ship was under quarantine due to the presence of the disease on board. The name "yellow jack" likely emerged due to the association of the color yellow with the symptoms of jaundice, which can occur in severe cases of yellow fever.
It is worth noting that "jack" has been used in various maritime contexts to refer to different types of flags, such as the "Union Jack" or the "Jolly Roger".
Similar spelling words for YELLOW JACK
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