HealthAugust 21, 2026

mumps

MUMPS

Definition

A contagious viral disease characterized by the swelling of the parotid salivary glands.

Etymology

Originating in the 16th century, the word likely comes from the Dutch word 'mompelen,' meaning to mumble, referring to the swollen appearance of the face making it difficult for the patient to speak clearly.

In the news

The article mentions mumps as part of the MMR vaccine, which health officials continue to recommend despite federal calls to separate the combined immunization into individual shots.

Michigan holds firm on childhood vaccines amid federal shifts

Read the full article ↗

WJRT ABC12

Related words

cystic

Relating to or affected by a cyst or cysts, often used in a medical context to describe…

Health

enterotoxigenic

Referring to a type of bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli (ETEC), that produces…

Health

fibrosis

A condition characterized by the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, often…

Health

healthspan

The total number of years a person remains in good health, rather than just living for a…

Health

ophthalmologist

A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders and…

Health

pulmonologist

A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the respiratory…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.