# anthrax

/ˈænθɹæks/ (US) · /ˈænθɹæks/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anthrax
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a serious and dangerous disease that can spread from animals to humans. It is caused by bacteria and is often mentioned in news about farming or safety.

For teachers: an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affecting livestock but transmissible to humans through contact or inhalation.

## Examples

- The farmer vaccinated his cattle against anthrax.
- Health officials monitored the area closely after a wild deer tested positive for anthrax during the summer heatwave.
- While naturally occurring in soil, the spores of anthrax became a significant concern for global security due to their potential for weaponization and high stability in various environments.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the disease itself; can be countable when referring to specific strains or cases in a medical context.

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