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infectious mononucleosis
noun
: an acute infectious disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus that is characterized especially by fever, sore throat, swelling of lymph nodes, fatigue, and lymphocytosis and occurs primarily in adolescents and young adults
—abbreviation IM
called also kissing disease, mono
Examples of infectious mononucleosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers found that the probability of an individual having infectious mononucleosis rose with palatal petechiae presence.5 The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can cause mono, is not the only germ that can lead to palatal petechiae.
—Reven Widener, Health, 31 May 2023
Although childhood Epstein-Barr infections are typically mild, exposure in teens and young adults can lead to infectious mononucleosis, a weeks-long illness that sickens 125,000 Americans a year, causing sore throats, swollen glands, and extreme fatigue.
—Liz Szabo, CNN, 18 Oct. 2022
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can cause the disease.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 26 Oct. 2021
Some viruses, including Epstein-Barr, the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, have been linked to MS.
—CBS News, 19 Oct. 2022
Earlier experimental Epstein-Barr vaccines targeting one viral protein lowered the rate of infectious mononucleosis but failed to prevent viral infection.
—Liz Szabo, CNN, 18 Oct. 2022
There are other viral illnesses that produce a post-viral fatigue syndrome, such as infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as mono, which is more commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
—Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2022
At least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis, according to the CDC.
—Robyn Merrett, PEOPLE.com, 27 Oct. 2021
Some scientists, like immunologist Dr. Nancy Klimas, wonder if long COVID is caused by old viruses that stay in the body but are typically held in check, like infectious mononucleosis.
—Dr. Maia Ou, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
1915, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of infectious mononucleosis was
in 1915
Dictionary Entries Near infectious mononucleosis
Cite this Entry
“Infectious mononucleosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infectious%20mononucleosis. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
infectious mononucleosis
noun
: an acute infectious disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus that is characterized especially by fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and lymphocytosis and occurs primarily in adolescents and young adults
—abbreviation IM
called also glandular fever, kissing disease, mono
More from Merriam-Webster on infectious mononucleosis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about infectious mononucleosis
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