A serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, affecting both animals and humans, historically known as 'woolsorter's disease'.
From Greek 'anthrax' meaning 'coal' or 'charcoal', referring to the black, coal-like lesions characteristic of cutaneous anthrax. The name reflects ancient Greek physicians' careful observation of the disease's distinctive dark skin manifestations.
The name 'anthrax' shows how ancient doctors were keen observers - they named this disease after coal because of the black, charcoal-like sores it creates. It's remarkable that a name chosen over 2,000 years ago based purely on visual similarity remains our primary term for this disease today.
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