noun
mumps
MUMPS/mʌmps/
A contagious viral disease that causes swollen salivary glands.
The man's mumps causes swelling around both sides of his jaw.
Etymology
The disease name comes from the plural of “grimace,” probably referring to swollen facial glands, painful swallowing, or both.
In context
mumps is preventable with the MMR vaccination. Signs and symptoms include a fever, headache, anorexia, so decreased appetite, as well as swelling of the testes and parotid glands.
More examples
- Vaccination helps protect children and adults against mumps.
- The school reports two cases of mumps this week.
- People with mumps should stay home to avoid spreading it.
Forms
mumps
Similar words
- epidemic parotitis
- A technical medical name for the same contagious viral disease.