shigellosis

noun

shig·​el·​lo·​sis ˌshi-gə-ˈlō-səs 

plural shigelloses ˌshi-gə-ˈlō-ˌsēz 

: dysentery caused by shigellae

Examples of shigellosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about a drug-resistant strain of shigella, a bacteria that commonly causes a gastrointestinal illness called shigellosis, as the agency is calling this new strain a public health threat. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026

Shigella, a gram-negative bacteria, causes a diarrheal illness called shigellosis. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

In addition to diarrhea that can be bloody, shigellosis can also cause stomach pain and fever. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Housing is a major factor in the spread, say Portland health officials The dysentery infection currently spreading most prominently among Multnomah County is shigellosis, the most common form of dysentery infection caused by the shigella bacteria. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shigellosis

• acanthosis
• acidosis
• alkalosis
• amaurosis
• ankylosis
• asbestosis
• brucellosis
• cyanosis
• dermatosis
• diagnosis
• ecchymosis
• exostosis

Medical Definition

shigellosis

noun

shig·​el·​lo·​sis ˌshig-ə-ˈlō-səs 

plural shigelloses -ˈlō-ˌsēz 

: infection with or dysentery caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella