varicella

[var-uh-sel-uh]

noun

Pathology.

1. chickenpox.

varicella

/ ˌværɪˈsɛlə /

noun

1. the technical name for chickenpox

varicella

1. See chickenpox

Other Word Forms

• varicellar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of varicella¹

1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to vari ( ola ) variola + -cella diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of varicella¹

C18: New Latin, irregular diminutive of _variola

Example Sentences

But experts say adding the varicella vaccine to the official NHS childhood immunisation programme will dramatically reduce the number of people who catch chickenpox, leading to far fewer serious cases.

From BBC

Until now, parents who wanted to protect their child against the chickenpox varicella virus, which causes red itchy spots, have usually had to pay up to £200 privately.

From BBC

Shingles is a rash brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

From Los Angeles Times

Two months later, he was dead of a viral infection, varicella zoster virus encephalitis, which is among the conditions associated with AIDS, according to his family’s attorney, Ty Clarke.

From Los Angeles Times

Even though Drover is not a likely candidate for reinfection with varicella zoster, she plans to receive the vaccine every five years for protection against postherpetic neuralgia.

From Seattle Times