Black Death
- Pronunciation
- /blak deth/
- Category
- Disease
- Singular
- Black death
- Plural
- Black deaths
Definition
A devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague that struck Europe and Asia in the mid-1300s, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is relevant in entomology due to the role of flea vectors in its transmission.
Etymology
The term 'Black Death' originates from the Latin 'atra mors', which means 'terrible death' or 'black death', referring to the grim symptoms and high mortality rate.
Example
The Black Death led to the death of an estimated 25 million people in Europe alone, with the disease spreading through fleas that infested rats.
Synonyms
- Bubonic plague
- Great Plague
- Black Plague
Related Terms
Usage Notes
The Black Death is a critical historical example of how insect vectors, specifically fleas, can influence human history through the spread of disease.