What does pertussis mean?
Pertussis is the formal medical name for whooping cough, an acute and contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease is especially recognizable for prolonged coughing fits, often followed by a high-pitched sound as a person breathes in. Symptoms can continue for several weeks, and infection is spread through respiratory droplets. In everyday conversation, pertussis is usually called whooping cough, while the formal term appears frequently in medical literature, vaccination guidance, and public-health reports. Pertussis vaccination is commonly given to children as part of routine immunization, and it is also recommended for certain pregnant people and adults. Although the expression may initially sound severe, its definition is straightforward: it identifies a specific bacterial illness rather than a general cough or a persistent cough from another cause.
nounAn acute, contagious respiratory infection characterized by prolonged coughing fits, especially coughing followed by a high-pitched intake of breath. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is commonly called whooping cough.
- The infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, characterized by prolonged coughing fits and commonly known as whooping cough.
"The child was treated with antibiotics after being diagnosed with pertussis."
"Public health officials reported an increase in pertussis cases across the region."
"The pertussis vaccine is routinely included in childhood immunization schedules."
Pertussis is normally used as a mass noun rather than a countable noun.
"The hospital reported several cases of pertussis."
Pertussis hides behind a gentle name: its Latin roots literally mean “intensive cough.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pertussis come from?
Pertussis entered English from New Latin, which used the Latin word pertussis, meaning “cough” or “violent coughing.” The Latin form is generally analyzed as an intensive form of per- combined with tussis, the Latin word for “cough.” Related words include tussis itself, French tousser, and tussle, all of which ultimately derive from the same Latin root.
How pertussis is actually used
This is the formal medical term for whooping cough. It is primarily used in clinical, public-health, and educational contexts.