DictionaryRoot: masel

Middle English

masel

little spot

1 / 1

An older woman resting with a fever and a visible red rash across her face, neck, and upper arms, holding a plain thermometer beside her bed.

noun

measles

MEE-zulz/ˈmiːzlz/

A contagious viral disease causing fever and a red rash.

Etymology

measleMiddle Englishlittle spot

+sEnglishin a particular way or direction

Middle English masel meant “little spot.” Its plural supplied the disease name, linking measles to the spots of its characteristic rash.

Related word entries

measles