The black death is one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It is estimated that it killed between 75 and 200 million people in Eurasia in the 14th century. The black death is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted to humans through fleas that infest rats. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of black death and its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The black death is a term used to describe the bubonic plague, a highly infectious and often fatal disease that swept across Europe in the 14th century. The disease is characterized by high fever, chills, and the appearance of painful, swollen lymph nodes, or buboes, in the groin, neck, and armpits. The black death is also known as the Great Plague or the Black Plague.
Origin
The black death originated in China in the early 1330s and spread along trade routes to Europe, where it arrived in 1347. The disease was carried by fleas that infested rats, which were common in the crowded and unsanitary conditions of medieval cities. The black death spread rapidly, killing up to 50% of the population in some areas.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The black death is defined in different dictionaries as a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted to humans through fleas that infest rats. The disease is characterized by high fever, chills, and the appearance of painful, swollen lymph nodes, or buboes, in the groin, neck, and armpits.
Associations
The black death is associated with death, disease, and suffering. It is also associated with the collapse of medieval society, as the massive loss of life disrupted the social and economic structures of Europe.
Synonyms
The synonyms of black death include bubonic plague, Great Plague, and Black Plague.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for black death.
The same root words
The same root words as black death include buboes, infectious, and pandemic.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the term black death:
- The black death killed millions of people in Europe in the 14th century.
- The bubonic plague, also known as the black death, is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
- The black death was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
- The black death had a profound impact on medieval society, leading to social and economic upheaval.
- The black death is a reminder of the devastating impact that infectious diseases can have on human populations.