Rabies
/ˈreɪ.biːz/noun
A viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain and is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, rabies was often associated with the wrath of gods, believed to be a punishment for sins or misdeeds.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
rabere
“to rage or be mad”
Middle Ages
Medieval Latin
rabies
“madness or fury, especially in reference to animals”
14th Century
Old French
rabie
“madness; particularly in animals”
Modern English
English
rabies
“the disease caused by the rabies virus, characterized by neurological dysfunction and aggression.”