pandemic
/pænˈdemɪk/An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
Public health officials worked tirelessly to contain the pandemic.
Health authorities took extensive measures to stop the disease from spreading further.
Historical pandemics like the Black Death had devastating effects.
Past pandemics, such as the bubonic plague, caused massive loss of life.
Pandemics are often declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) when a disease spreads across multiple countries or continents.
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💡Pro Tip
Pandemic vs. Epidemic
A pandemic affects a much larger area and population than an epidemic, which is more localized.
⚡Gold Rule
Medical Context
In medical contexts, a pandemic is declared when a disease spreads across international borders and affects a significant portion of the population.
📖Word Origin
From Greek 'pan-' (all) + 'demos' (people), meaning 'affecting all the people'.
📝Usage Notes
The term is often used in medical and public health contexts but has also entered general usage due to events like COVID-19.