dengue

[ deng-gey, -gee ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an infectious, eruptive fever of warm climates, usually epidemic, characterized especially by severe pains in the joints and muscles.

dengue

/ ˈdændɪ; ˈdɛŋɡɪ /

noun

1. an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by headache, fever, pains in the joints, and skin rash Also calledbreakbone fever

dengue

/ dĕng′gē,-gā /

1. An acute, infectious tropical disease caused by any of several viruses of the genus Flavivirus . It is transmitted by mosquitoes, and characterized by high fever, rash, headache, and severe muscle and joint pain.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dengue¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30; from Latin American Spanish: literally, “prudery, affectation,” by folk etymology from Swahili -dinga, kadinga “seizure, cramp” or from another Bantu language

Word History and Origins

Origin of dengue¹

C19: from Spanish, probably of African origin; compare Swahili kidinga

Example Sentences

Scientists believe they have found a quirky way to fight mosquito-spread diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and Zika - by turning male insects deaf so they struggle to mate and breed.

From BBC

Cases of dengue fever are at an all-time high and dengue, malaria and West Nile virus have spread to places they were never found before.

From BBC

Neither of the people most recently infected with dengue had a history of travel to areas where the virus is typically found.

From Los Angeles Times

But officials are now warning of a potential new foe: dengue, a viral infection that in the most serious cases can also lead to life-threatening complications.

From Los Angeles Times

“This tragic loss highlights the serious health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, dengue, and others.”

From Los Angeles Times