noun
typhus
TEYE-fuhs
Typhus (noun) means a serious bacterial disease spread by lice or fleas, causing high fever, rash, and confusion. Example: “Typhus spread rapidly through the crowded, unsanitary camp.”
noun
1
A serious bacterial disease spread by lice or fleas, causing high fever, rash, and confusion.
"Typhus spread rapidly through the crowded, unsanitary camp."
"Historically, typhus killed more soldiers than combat in some wars."
How to use typhus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dangerous fever spread by lice or fleas — not the same illness as typhoid.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with typhoid, which is a different, food-and-water-borne disease.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- typhuses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ spread rapidly through the crowded, unsanitary camp.
Etymology
From a Greek word meaning "fever" or "stupor," related to a verb meaning "to smoke," describing the clouded mental state the disease can cause.
Synonyms
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typhus fever
Rhymes for typhus
See all rhymes for typhus →Frequently asked questions
What does “typhus” mean?
The word “typhus” means a serious bacterial disease spread by lice or fleas, causing high fever, rash, and confusion. In plain terms, a dangerous fever spread by lice or fleas — not the same illness as typhoid.
How do you pronounce “typhus”?
“Typhus” is pronounced TEYE-fuhs (/ˈtaɪfəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “typhus” in a sentence?
Here is “typhus” used in a sentence: “Typhus spread rapidly through the crowded, unsanitary camp.”
What part of speech is “typhus”?
“Typhus” is a noun.
Where does the word “typhus” come from?
The word “typhus” comes from Greek. From a Greek word meaning "fever" or "stupor," related to a verb meaning "to smoke," describing the clouded mental state the disease can cause.
