Chickenpox (noun)

An infectious disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is characterized by a fever and an itchy rash of red spots that turn into small blisters.

Origin:

Early 17th century: chicken from the supposed resemblance of the rash to a chicken's pecking, + pox.

Examples:

1. He had chickenpox as a child, and now he has shingles.
2. The doctor said that it was just a mild case of chickenpox.
3. Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads easily.
4. The vaccine for chickenpox is very effective in preventing the disease.
5. Chickenpox can be serious in adults and pregnant women.