Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Measles \Mea"sles\, n.; pl. in form, but used as singular in
senses 1, 2, & 3. [D. mazelen; akin to G. masern, pl., and E.
mazer, and orig. meaning, little spots. See {Mazer}.]
1. (Med.) A contagious febrile disorder commencing with
catarrhal symptoms, and marked by the appearance on the
third day of an eruption of distinct red circular spots,
which coalesce in a crescentic form, are slightly raised
above the surface, and after the fourth day of the
eruption gradually decline; rubeola.
Measles commences with the ordinary symptoms of
fever. --Am. Cyc.
Measles \Mea"sles\, n. [From lst {Measle}.]
Leprosy; also, a leper. [Obs.]
Source : WordNet®
measles
n : an acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by
distinct red spots followed by a rash; occurs primarily
in children [syn: {rubeola}, {morbilli}]