varicella
Meaning
A highly contagious disease, especially of children, that causes a slight fever and red spots on the skin; chickenpox.
Structure
Usage
Varicella is usually a mild but highly infectious disease.
A vaccine for varicella has been available since the 1990s.
The doctor confirmed it was varicella and not another rash.
Etymology
The word 'varicella' is a modern medical term coined in the 18th century. It is a direct diminutive formation from the Latin word varix (genitive varicis), which referred to a dilated or swollen vein. The addition of the Latin diminutive suffix -ella creates the meaning "a little swelling" or "a small varix." This name was chosen because the characteristic skin lesions of the disease were thought to resemble tiny blisters or swellings. The term serves as the formal, scientific name for the common childhood illness known as chickenpox.
Analysis
varic (from Latin varix, meaning a dilated vein or swelling) + ella (a Latin diminutive suffix meaning "small").