|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| mumps [ mumps ] |
noun |
|
| Definition: |
| |
contagious disease: an acute contagious disease, usually affecting children, that causes a fever with swelling of the salivary glands and sometimes also affects the pancreas and ovaries or testes. It is caused by a virus and can be prevented through vaccination. It may cause sterility if contracted by a man.
(
takes a singular or plural verb
)
|
| [Late 16th century. Plural of obsolete mump "grimace," an imitation of the sounds made with a closed mouth] |
|
|
|
