flu — a contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages that causes fever and severe aching
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages that causes fever and severe aching
Pronunciation (IPA): /fluː/
Example Sentences
- My boss said I look terrible, but it's just the flu - apparently viruses don't care about Monday meetings.
- The whole office got the flu, making it the most productive week ever since everyone worked from home.
- Healthcare workers recommend getting a flu vaccine every fall to prevent infection.
flu
NOUN[/fluː/]
a contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages that causes fever and severe aching
She caught the flu and shivered under three blankets all day.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Italian influenza, which literally meant 'influence' or 'the influence of the stars'. Medieval people believed influenza was caused by the malevolent influence of celestial bodies on human health. The term entered English in the 18th century and was later shortened to 'flu'.
Breakdown
influenza (influence, from Latin influere meaning 'to flow in') → flu (shortened form, clipped in 19th-century English)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss said I look terrible, but it's just the flu - apparently viruses don't care about Monday meetings.”
“The whole office got the flu, making it the most productive week ever since everyone worked from home.”
“Healthcare workers recommend getting a flu vaccine every fall to prevent infection.”
“During flu season, pharmacies run out of tissues faster than concert tickets.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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