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variolar

variolar

9.9
Relating to smallpox
  • adjective
  • /ˌvɛrɪˈɔlər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : varioloso
  • He examined variolar scars on the patient's face to confirm a past infection.

Examples

  • Historians studied the variolar lesions preserved in early illustrations of the disease.

  • The variolar outbreak devastated whole communities in the eighteenth century.

  • The variolar virus caused widespread illness in the past.

  • In the 18th century, variolar outbreaks were common.

  • The doctor explained the variolar symptoms to patients who had never encountered smallpox.

  • Researchers discovered variolar antigens in the remains of historical smallpox victims.

  • During the vaccination campaign, variolar cases were closely monitored by health officials.

Synonyms

variolic
vsvariolar
  • Archaic
9.9

Relating to smallpox, such as its rash or scars

is the identical meaning but used as an alternative form or variant
variolous
vsvariolar
  • Archaic
9.9

Related to or showing signs of smallpox

is a general relation to smallpox without stressing resemblance or being affected
variolate
vsvariolar
  • Specialized
9.9

Skin that has small round scars from smallpox

is a general relation to smallpox rather than describing physical marks

Surface Forms

variolar positive

Morphology

variolar = variola (opaque) = variola + ar

Formed by regular suffixation from 'variola', but 'variola' is a rare medical term; learners who know common English (e.g. 'smallpox') are unlikely to deduce the meaning.

Etymology

Variolar comes from the Latin variola, a word for 'smallpox', and from varius meaning 'spotted' or 'varied', so you can picture the many spots that smallpox makes. The same root is in everyday words like varied and variety, so variolar simply means 'relating to smallpox'.