Skip to main content

Mysteries of vernacular: Quarantine - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

68,467 Views

1,915 Questions Answered

Mysteries of Vernacular

Let’s Begin…

Stemming from the days of bubonic plague in Medieval Europe, quarantines were originally used to prevent potentially plague-infested ships from disembarking at a port city. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel explain how the length of the wait, often 40 days, came to be associated with the word we use today.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by TED Ed

More from Mysteries of Vernacular