influenza
UK[ˌɪn.fluˈen.zə]US[ˌɪn.fluˈen.zə]
n
an infectious disease like a very bad cold, that causes fever, pains, and weakness
Etymology
the word 'influenza' entered english in the mid-18th century directly from italian, where it meant 'influence'. this italian term itself originated from medieval latin 'influentia', denoting an 'influx' or 'flowing in'. the medical application arose from the italian phrase 'influenza di freddo', meaning 'influence of the cold', reflecting the archaic astrological belief that diseases were caused by the 'influence' or influx of celestial fluids. by the 1740s, when an epidemic spread across europe from italy, the italian name for the disease was adopted into english, solidifying its specific association with the contagious viral illness.
Analysis
the entire word functions as a simplex loanword from italian.
Examples
she's at home recovering from a bout of influenza.
a new strain of influenza is spreading rapidly this winter.
the health department is urging high-risk groups to get the influenza vaccine.