What is influenza? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of influenza

influenzanoun

cúm

/ˌɪnfluˈenzə//ˌɪnfluˈenzə/

Where does the word influenza come from?

The word "influenza" has its roots in Latin and was first used in the 16th century. It is derived from the Latin word "influere," meaning "to flow in," and the suffix "-enza," which is used to form abstract nouns. The term originally referred to the supposed influence of celestial bodies, such as the stars, on human affairs. When a peculiar epidemic illness, now known as the flu, began to spread across Europe in the 15th century, it was attributed to the influence of stars and other celestial bodies, leading to the term "influenza" being used to describe the illness. Over time, the term came to be used to describe any epidemic respiratory illness, regardless of its cause.

Vocabulary summary influenza

typenoun

meaning(medicine) flu

meaningtranslation ((figurative))

Example of vocabulary influenzanamespace

  • Last winter, a severe outbreak of influenza swept through the community, leaving many people bedridden with high fevers and coughs.
  • Due to the flu season approaching, it's important for everyone to get their influenza vaccination as soon as possible to reduce the spread of the disease.
  • Sadly, the influenza virus claimed the lives of several elderly residents at the local nursing home, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group to the infection.
  • The recent spike in influenza cases in the pediatric ward has forced hospital officials to implement stricter hygiene protocols to prevent further spread of the virus.
  • The issuing of prescription antiviral medication for influenza has been made available to high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, young children, and the elderly during this peak flu season.

Synonyms and related words for influenza

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