Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

variola

Noun

/ˌværiˈoʊlə/

Definition

Variola is the virus that causes smallpox, a highly contagious disease that resulted in significant morbidity and mortality historically.

Examples

In the past, variola was a major cause of death before the development of the smallpox vaccine.
Research on variola has led to significant advancements in virology and immunology.
The eradication of variola marked a significant milestone in global public health.

Meaning

Variola refers specifically to the virus responsible for causing smallpox, which affects the skin and is characterized by fever, body aches, and a distinctive rash that can lead to scarring.