flu

[ floo ]

noun

1. influenza.
2. a specific variety of influenza, usually named for its point of dissemination or its animal vector:

   Hong Kong flu; swine flu.

flu

/ fluː /

noun

1. the flu
   short for influenza
2. any of various viral infections, esp a respiratory or intestinal infection

flu

/ flo̅o̅ /

1. See influenza

Word History and Origins

Origin of flu¹

First recorded in 1830–40; shortened form

Example Sentences

The bird flu crisis, driven by the H5N1 virus, began several years ago, but ramped up considerably in April when dairy cows started becoming infected.

From Salon

The state of California has detected a possible bird flu infection in a child in the Bay Area.

From Salon

Several players already fought through the sickness last Saturday, among them running back Woody Marks, who rushed for a career-high 146 yards even as he struggled to breathe because of flu.

From Los Angeles Times

For defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who has so far evaded the flu, the threat of getting sick had him knocking on wood.

From Los Angeles Times

The flu had been wreaking havoc on USC’s locker room since late last week.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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• condition
• contamination
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• infection
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• malady
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• virus