Flu Meaning and Definition
Flu
Pronunciation
/flu/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A viral infection that affects the respiratory system, characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat.
Examples
- The patient was diagnosed with the flu and was prescribed medication.
- She took a week off work due to the flu.
Synonyms
- Influenza
- Grippe
Antonyms
- Health
- Wellness
Etymology
The word “flu” is derived from the Latin term “influenza”, which means “influence”.
Usage Notes
The term “flu” is often used informally to refer to any respiratory illness, but it specifically refers to a viral infection caused by the influenza virus.
Cultural References
The flu has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and books, including the popular sitcom “Scrubs”, which often referenced the flu outbreak in a humorous way.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To catch the flu” means to contract the illness.
Related Words or Phrases
- virus
- infection
- respiratory
Collocations
- flu shot
- flu season
Frequency of Use
The term “flu” is commonly used in everyday language, especially during flu season, which typically runs from December to March in the Northern Hemisphere.
Common Misspellings
- flue
- fluvelle