What does mumps mean?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection best known for causing the painful swelling of the parotid glands that gives the cheeks and jaw a noticeably puffy appearance. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands, although the presentation varies. The illness is transmitted mainly through saliva and respiratory droplets and is especially common among children, though adults can also contract it. Complications may involve organs such as the pancreas, testicles, or ovaries, so vaccination and good hygiene remain important preventive measures. The combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is widely used for protection. In ordinary usage, “mumps” names the disease rather than the swelling itself, although its name ultimately derives from an older word associated with a swollen face. It is a familiar term in childhood health and school contexts while remaining formally acceptable in medical reporting.
nounAn acute viral infection that causes painful swelling, especially of the parotid glands in front of the ears, and may also produce fever and other symptoms.
- A viral infection causing swelling of the parotid glands, especially in children.
"The child was kept home from school after being diagnosed with mumps."
"Schools reported several cases of mumps during the outbreak."
"A booster dose of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine can reduce the risk of infection."
Usually treated as an unchanged singular noun; plural reference is normally expressed with “cases of mumps” rather than a separate plural form.
"The clinic confirmed two cases of mumps last week."
Mumps takes its name from the swollen jaw and cheeks that can make the sufferer's face look like a muffin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mumps
The word “mumps” developed from the older English “mump,” meaning to swell or have a swollen face, and was used for the characteristic swelling associated with the disease. The earlier term is generally associated with the Dutch word “momp,” meaning to mump or grimace, although the exact development of the English meaning is not entirely clear. The disease name became established in the early modern period.
How mumps is actually used
The name is normally treated as a singular noun in medical and general use, as in “a case of mumps” or “diagnosed with mumps.” It is also used attributively in names such as “mumps virus” and “mumps vaccination.”