noun
mumps
muhmps
noun
1
A contagious viral illness that causes painful swelling of the glands in the face and neck.
"He caught mumps as a child, before the vaccine was widespread."
"Mumps can cause fever and swollen cheeks."
How to Use Mumps
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA childhood viral infection that swells the glands near the jaw.
Common mistake
Treated as singular even though it ends in "-s": "mumps is a viral illness," not "mumps are."
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Etymology
From "mump" (to grimace), likely referring to the swollen, pained facial expression the illness causes.