influenza
UK: ˌɪn.fluˈen.zə | US: ˌɪn.fluˈen.zə
n. an acute, highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, respiratory symptoms, and often muscle pain; commonly called "the flu."
influenza = in<into> + flu<flow> + enza<noun suffix>
- in<into>: From Latin in-, meaning "into" or "upon."
- flu<flow>: From Latin fluere, meaning "to flow," referencing the spreading nature of the disease.
- enza<noun suffix>: An Italian suffix used to form nouns, often indicating a condition or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word influenza originated in Italian during the 15th century, initially referring to epidemics believed to be caused by the "influence" of celestial bodies (influenza degli astri). By the 18th century, it specifically denoted the contagious respiratory illness, reflecting the idea of the disease "flowing" (from fluere) through populations. The term was later adopted into English, retaining its medical connotation.
She missed work for a week due to a severe case of influenza.
Annual flu vaccines help reduce the spread of influenza.
The 1918 influenza pandemic was one of the deadliest in history.
Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, and fatigue.
Public health campaigns emphasize handwashing to prevent influenza transmission.