pertussis

[ per-tuhs-is ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. whooping cough.

pertussis

/ pəˈtʌsɪs /

noun

1. the technical name for whooping cough

pertussis

/ pər-tŭs′ĭs /

1. See whooping cough

Derived Forms

• perˈtussal, adjective

Other Words From

• per·tussal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertussis¹

1790–1800; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin per- per- + tussis a cough

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertussis¹

C18: New Latin, from Latin per- (intensive) + tussis cough

Example Sentences

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published concerning new figures on whooping cough — caused by Bordatella pertussis bacterial infections — in the United States.

From Salon

The CDC recommends pertussis vaccines for children and adults.

From Salon

Pertussis, an endemic child-killer known as whooping cough: 200,752 cases a year during the last century; in 2023, there were 5,611.

From Los Angeles Times

Nationwide, cases of pertussis, as the illness is formally known, are nearly three times higher in 2024 than during the first five months of 2023, according to data from the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re definitely keeping an eye out and expecting to see outbreaks of pertussis this year,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times