pertussis

noun

per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtə-səs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Examples of pertussis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This doubling of global coverage of vaccines has prevented countless cases of tuberculosis, measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 24 June 2025 In January 2024, a pertussis vaccination in pregnant women was introduced to the country's national vaccination program. Mandy Taheri nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 However, a report published at the end of 2024 found that the rise in cases may stem from misinformation and lack of information about the whooping cough vaccine, including many parents who may not know pertussis and whooping cough are the same thing. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025 The old pertussis vaccine, used until the 1990s, used to contain whole, killed B. pertussis bacteria cells. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pertussis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin per- thoroughly + tussis cough

First Known Use

circa 1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pertussis was circa 1772

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pertussis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pertussis. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Medical Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

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