- The definition of cholera is an intestinal disease that causes excessive diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
An example of cholera is a disease that comes from drinking water that has been tainted by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
Origin of choleraClassical Latin jaundice ; from Classical Greek cholera, nausea ; from cholē, gall bile ; from Indo-European base an unverified form ĝhel- from source yellow
- An acute infectious disease of the small intestine, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, severe dehydration, and depletion of electrolytes. Also called Asiatic cholera.
- Any of various diseases of domesticated animals, such as chickens, turkeys, or hogs, marked by severe gastroenteritis.
Origin of choleraLatin, cholera, jaundice; see choler.
From Latin cholera (“bilious disease”), from Ancient Greek χολή (kholē, “bile”).