murrain
noun
mur·rain ˈmər-ən 
ˈmə-rən
: a pestilence or plague especially affecting domestic animals
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Otherwise nature is outraged, floods will again sweep the land and murrains strike our cattle. 
Dan Bilefsky, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2016
Dan Bilefsky, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2016 Word History
Etymology
Middle English moreyne, from Anglo-French morine, from morir to die, from Latin mori — more at murder
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
murrains
noun
as in infections
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- infections
- illnesses
- ailments
- maladies
- sicknesses
- afflictions
- affections
- infirmities
- curses
- contagions
- pests
- plagues
- blights
- scourges
- pestilences
- epidemics
- pandemics