malaria
UK: məˈleə.ri.ə | US: məˈler.i.ə
n. A life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, characterized by fever, chills, and anemia.
malaria = mal<bad> + aria<air>
- mal (from Latin malus, meaning "bad")
- aria (from Italian aria, meaning "air," referring to the historical belief that the disease was caused by foul air from swamps)
Etymology Origin:
The term malaria originated in 18th-century Italy, combining mal- (bad) and aria (air). It reflects the outdated "miasma theory," which attributed the disease to poisonous vapors from stagnant water. Later, scientific discovery linked it to mosquito-borne parasites, but the name persisted. The word’s structure preserves its historical misconception while remaining medically relevant.
Malaria is endemic in tropical regions with high mosquito populations.
Travelers to malaria-prone areas should take prophylactic medication.
The World Health Organization launched a campaign to eradicate malaria.
Symptoms of malaria include high fever and severe fatigue.
Researchers are developing a new vaccine to combat malaria.