'Measles' definitions:

Definition of 'measles'

From: WordNet
noun
An acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash; occurs primarily in children [syn: measles, rubeola, morbilli]

Definition of 'Measles'

From: GCIDE
  • Measles \Mea"sles\, n. [From 1st Measle.] Leprosy; also, a leper. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Measles'

From: GCIDE
  • Measles \Mea"sles\, n.; pl. in form, but used as singular in senses 1, 2, & 3. [D. mazelen; akin to G. masern, pl., and E. mazer, and orig. meaning, little spots. See Mazer.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. (Med.) A contagious viral febrile disorder commencing with catarrhal symptoms, and marked by the appearance on the third day of an eruption of distinct red circular spots, which coalesce in a crescentic form, are slightly raised above the surface, and after the fourth day of the eruption gradually decline; rubeola. It is a common childhood disease. [1913 Webster +PJC]
  • Measles commences with the ordinary symptoms of fever. --Am. Cyc. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Veter. Med.) A disease of cattle and swine in which the flesh is filled with the embryos of different varieties of the tapeworm. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A disease of trees. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • 4. pl. (Zool.) The larvae of any tapeworm (Taenia) in the cysticerus stage, when contained in meat. Called also bladder worms. [1913 Webster]
  • German measles A mild contagious viral disease, which may cause birth defects if contracted by a pregnant woman during early pregnancy; also called rubella. [PJC]

Synonyms of 'measles'

From: Moby Thesaurus