Final answer:
The term Anthrax literally means 'Coal,' referring to the black eschar typically found in cutaneous anthrax infections. It is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and is distinct from the Black Death which was caused by the Bubonic Plague.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disease term Anthrax literally means 'Coal'. This name comes from the characteristic black lesions, known as eschars, which are associated with cutaneous anthrax infections. The eschars are masses of dead skin tissue and have a dark, coal-like appearance, hence the name. Anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis, can infect humans through several routes including cutaneous contact, inhalation, or ingestion of endospores. One of the defining features of cutaneous anthrax is the development of a nodule on the skin that eventually turns into a black eschar.
It is important to distinguish between Anthrax and the Black Death -- which was caused by the Bubonic Plague and had a significantly higher mortality rate. Unlike Anthrax, the Bubonic Plague saw widespread epidemics such as during the 14th century in Europe. Furthermore, B. anthracis has been recognized as a potential bioterrorism agent due to the high level of expertise required to weaponize the spores, as demonstrated in the 2001 anthrax attacks.