anti-anthrax
|an-ti-an-thrax|
/ˌæntiˈænθræks/
against anthrax
Etymology
'anti-anthrax' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') combined with 'anthrax' (the disease name).
'anthrax' originates from Greek 'ἄνθραξ' (anthrax, 'coal') because lesions resembled coal; 'anti-' is a classical prefix from Greek; the compound 'anti-anthrax' arose in modern English usage in contexts of medicine and defense (20th century onward) to denote measures against the disease.
The components retained their original senses: 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'anthrax' referring to the disease (originally 'coal'), so the compound's meaning has remained literal: 'against anthrax'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an agent (such as a vaccine, antibody, or drug) used to prevent or treat anthrax.
The clinic administered an anti-anthrax to at-risk personnel.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
opposing, preventing, or intended to protect against anthrax (used of measures, vaccines, antibodies, or treatments).
Researchers are testing several anti-anthrax vaccines.
Last updated: 2025/10/15 09:01