TED-ED: Mysteries of vernacular: Quarantine - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

The video explains the concept of quarantine, originating from the 14th century during the Bubonic Plague in Europe. It describes how the port city of Ragusa implemented isolation measures for ships to prevent disease spread. The term 'quarantine' comes from the Italian word 'quaranta', meaning forty, referring to the 40-day isolation period. Over time, the term expanded to describe any form of isolation, not just for plague-related cases.

What was the primary purpose of quarantine as introduced in the 14th century?

• To protect against natural disasters

• To control population growth

• To prevent the spread of disease

• To isolate criminals

Which city was among the first to implement quarantine measures during the Bubonic Plague?

• Paris

• London

• Ragusa

• Venice

How long were ships required to remain isolated under Ragusa's quarantine policy?

• One year

• Five or six weeks

• Three months

• Two weeks

What does the term 'quarantine' originate from?

• The Latin word for isolation

• The Greek word for disease

• The Italian word for forty

• The French word for health

By the mid-1600s, how was the term 'quarantine' used?

• To describe a specific type of ship

• To refer to any form of isolation

• To indicate a period of celebration

• To name a type of medical treatment