Cholera Meaning
/ˈkɒləɹə/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAny of several acute infectious diseases of humans and domestic animals, caused by certain strains of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium through ingestion of contaminated water or food, usually marked by severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Sentence Examples
There has been another case of cholera in the neighborhood.
Cholera germs were found in the food.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the 19th century, ____ killed thousands due to contaminated water supplies.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The outbreak of ____ was caused by contaminated water in the city.
Word Origin & History
From Latin cholera (“bilious disease”), from Ancient Greek χολέρα (kholéra, “cholera”). Doublet of choler.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"'This again,' said the Bacteriologist, slipping a glass slide under the microscope, 'is a preparation of the celebrated Bacillus of cholera - the cholera germ.'"
— 1895, H. G. Wells, The Stolen Bacillus:
"At that time, the city [Christiania, now Oslo] was in the grip of a cholera epidemic, and victims were dying at the rate of 60 a day. Bradshaw contracted the disease, and died on September 6 [1853]."
— 1950 January, “Notes and News: George Bradshaw's Grave”, in Railway Magazine, pages 61–62:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the 19th century, ____ killed thousands due to contaminated water supplies.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The outbreak of ____ was caused by contaminated water in the city.