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Glite Dictionary
variolic

variolic

9.9
Relating to smallpox, such as its rash or scars
  • adjective
  • /ˌvɛrɪˈɒlɪk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : varioloso
  • The doctor recognized the variolic scars on the patient’s face as evidence of a past smallpox infection.

Examples

  • A variolic rash is considered characteristic in the diagnosis of smallpox.

  • Doctors studied the variolic lesions to understand the disease better.

  • Historical medical reports often described the spread of variolic disease among city populations.

  • The variolic symptoms were alarming in the early stages.

  • A variolic rash is considered characteristic in the diagnosis of smallpox.

  • The doctor recognized the variolic scars on the patient’s face as evidence of a past smallpox infection.

  • Doctors studied the variolic lesions to understand the disease better.

Synonyms

variolar
vsvariolic
  • Specialized
9.9

Relating to smallpox

is identical in meaning but differs only in word form
variolous
vsvariolic
  • Archaic
9.9

Related to or showing signs of smallpox

focuses on relation or characteristic rather than resemblance or infection
variolate
vsvariolic
  • Specialized
9.9

Skin that has small round scars from smallpox

describes relation or characteristic rather than actual infection or scarring

Surface Forms

variolic positive

Morphology

variolic = variola (semi-transparent) = variol + ic

Formed by the regular suffixation of -ic to the medical noun 'variola', so the relation is clear, but 'variola' is a specialized/rare term that many learners will not know.

Etymology

The word variolic comes from the Latin word variola, which means 'smallpox' or 'a small pimple'. So variolic describes something that belongs to or looks like smallpox, such as a rash or scar.