Definition of 'cholera'

Word Frequency

cholera

(kɒlərə )

uncountable noun

Cholera is a serious disease that often kills people. It is caused by drinking infected water or by eating infected food.

...a cholera epidemic.

Word Frequency

cholera in British

(ˈkɒlərə )

noun

an acute intestinal infection characterized by severe diarrhoea, cramp, etc: caused by ingestion of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio comma

. Also called: Asiatic cholera, epidemic cholera, Indian cholera

Derived forms

choleroid (ˈcholeˌroid)

adjective

Word origin of 'cholera'

C14: from Latin, from Greek kholera jaundice, from kholē bile

Word Frequency

cholera in American

(ˈkɑlərə ; kälˈərə)

noun

any of various intestinal diseases; specif., an acute, severe, infectious disease (Asiatic cholera) common in Asia, caused by bacteria (Vibrio cholerae) and characterized by profuse diarrhea, intestinal pain, and dehydration

Derived forms

choleraic (ˌcholeˈraic) (ˈkɑləˈreɪɪk ; kälˈərāˈik)

adjective

Word origin of 'cholera'

L, jaundice < Gr, cholera, nausea < cholē, gall bile < IE base *ĝhel- > yellow

Example sentences containing 'cholera'

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Over the past six years it has also been battling a cholera epidemic that has killed about 9,000 people. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The same day a cholera epidemic took hold across the city. Aidan Hartley THE ZANZIBAR CHEST: A Memoir of Love and War (2003)Experts have warned of the high risk of a cholera epidemic and further monsoon downpours are forecast. Times, Sunday Times (2010)At the same time there was a cholera epidemic. Times, Sunday Times (2011)All these beds are filled with cholera victims. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Pictures from the cholera epidemic timesonline. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Aids, cholera and other diseases sweep away the chronically malnourished. Times, Sunday Times (2009)The country is beset by a cholera epidemic that has claimed more than 2,100 lives. Times, Sunday Times (2009)A treatable disease such as cholera should not be endangering thousands of lives. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Scores of other women lurking on the nearby pavements streamed in to join them, hoisting placards demanding action to end the cholera epidemic. Times, Sunday Times (2008)In the 1850s people realised the connection between sewage in crowded cities and diseases - particularly cholera. Times, Sunday Times (2010)In London, a cholera epidemic sweeps the city. Times, Sunday Times (2008)He was 25, and had arrived towards the end of a cholera epidemic. Times, Sunday Times (2015)It is taking place amid a cholera epidemic and ten months after an earthquake that killed 230,000 people and left 1.3 million homeless. Times, Sunday Times (2010)There was a time, before the introduction of vaccination and effective drugs, when contagious diseases such as cholera could tear through the overcrowded slums. Times, Sunday Times (2010)