smallpox
UK: ˈsmɔːlpɒks | US: ˈsmɔːlpɑːks
n. An acute, highly infectious, often fatal disease caused by the variola virus, characterized by fever and a distinctive progressive skin rash.
The term "smallpox" emerged in the 16th century to distinguish this disease (variola) from the "great pox" (syphilis). "Pox" derives from Middle English pokkes (plural of pokke, meaning "pustule"), tracing back to Old English pocc (blister or ulcer). The "small" prefix highlights the comparative severity and symptom presentation versus syphilis. Over time, "smallpox" became the standard term for variola, reflecting its historical impact as a feared epidemic disease.
Smallpox was eradicated globally in 1980 after a successful vaccination campaign.
The scars left by smallpox often remained for life.
Historical records describe smallpox outbreaks devastating entire communities.
Edward Jenner developed the first smallpox vaccine using cowpox virus.
Before its eradication, smallpox killed millions of people worldwide.