whooping cough
Meanings
noun
- A contagious disease of the respiratory system that usually affects children caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, the advanced stage of which is characterised by spasms of coughing followed by a whooping sound during the intake of breath.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From whooping + cough, from the characteristic-sounding cough that is a major symptom.
Synonyms
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