measles

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Med.) A contagious viral 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. It is a common childhood disease. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

Measles commences with the ordinary symptoms of fever. Am. Cyc. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Veter. Med.) A disease of cattle and swine in which the flesh is filled with the embryos of different varieties of the tapeworm. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A disease of trees. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

4. pl. (Zool.) The larvae of any tapeworm (Taenia) in the cysticerus stage, when contained in meat. Called also bladder worms. [ 1913 Webster ]

German measles A mild contagious viral disease, which may cause birth defects if contracted by a pregnant woman during early pregnancy; also called rubella. [ PJC ]