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noun Uncommon

rabies

RAY-beez

Rabies (noun) means a deadly viral disease spread through the bite of an infected animal, causing brain inflammation and severe behavioural changes. Example: “The dog was quarantined after showing early signs of rabies.”

noun
1
A deadly viral disease spread through the bite of an infected animal, causing brain inflammation and severe behavioural changes.
"The dog was quarantined after showing early signs of rabies."

How to use rabies

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA serious, usually fatal disease transmitted by animal bites, best known for causing aggressive or erratic behaviour.

Common pairings
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The dog was quarantined after showing early signs of _____.

Etymology

A direct borrowing from Latin rabiēs, meaning "madness" or "fury" — the same root behind the everyday word "rage."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for rabies

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Frequently asked questions

What does “rabies” mean?

The word “rabies” means a deadly viral disease spread through the bite of an infected animal, causing brain inflammation and severe behavioural changes. In plain terms, a serious, usually fatal disease transmitted by animal bites, best known for causing aggressive or erratic behaviour.

How do you pronounce “rabies”?

“Rabies” is pronounced RAY-beez (/ˈɹeɪ.biːz/ in IPA).

How do you use “rabies” in a sentence?

Here is “rabies” used in a sentence: “The dog was quarantined after showing early signs of rabies.”

What part of speech is “rabies”?

“Rabies” is a noun.

Where does the word “rabies” come from?

The word “rabies” comes from Latin. A direct borrowing from Latin rabiēs, meaning "madness" or "fury" — the same root behind the everyday word "rage.".

Is “rabies” a common word?

“Rabies” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial