psittacosis

noun

psit·​ta·​co·​sis ˌsi-tə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce psittacosis (audio)
: an infectious disease of birds caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia psittaci synonym Chlamydophila psittaci), marked by diarrhea and wasting, and transmissible to humans in whom it occurs as a flu-like illness often accompanied by pneumonia

called also ornithosis, parrot fever

psittacotic adjective

Examples of psittacosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cases of a rare bacterial infection called psittacosis — also known as parrot fever — are on the rise in Europe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 In 1929 and 1930, there was a global outbreak of psittacosis, an infectious disease that can be transferred from birds to humans. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 12 Dec. 2019 The birds also could transmit diseases to humans, such as psittacosis (parrot fever), avian flu and salmonella, The Guardian reported. Fox News, 9 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin psittacus

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psittacosis was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near psittacosis

Cite this Entry

“Psittacosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psittacosis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

psittacosis

noun
psit·​ta·​co·​sis ˌsit-ə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce psittacosis (audio)
: an infectious disease of birds caused by a bacterium, marked by diarrhea and loss of weight and strength, and capable of being passed on to human beings

called also parrot fever

Medical Definition

psittacosis

noun
psit·​ta·​co·​sis ˌsit-ə-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce psittacosis (audio)
plural psittacoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce psittacosis (audio)
: an infectious disease of birds that is caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia psittaci synonym Chlamydophila psittaci), is marked by diarrhea and wasting, and is transmissible to humans in whom it usually occurs as an atypical pneumonia accompanied by high fever

called also parrot fever

compare ornithosis
psittacotic adjective

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