chronic

[ kron-ik ]

adjective

1. constant; habitual; inveterate:

   a chronic liar.

   Synonyms: hardened, confirmed

2. continuing a long time or recurring frequently:

   a chronic state of civil war.

3. having long had a disease, habit, weakness, or the like:

   a chronic invalid.

4. (of a disease) having long duration ( acute ).

noun

1. Slang. cronic ( def ).

chronic

/ krɒˈnɪsɪtɪ; ˈkrɒnɪk /

adjective

1. continuing for a long time; constantly recurring
2. See acute
   (of a disease) developing slowly, or of long duration Compare acute
3. inveterate; habitual

   a chronic smoker

4. informal.
   1. very bad

      the play was chronic

   2. very serious

      he left her in a chronic condition

chronic

/ krŏn′ĭk /

1. Relating to an illness or medical condition that is characterized by long duration or frequent recurrence. Diabetes and hypertension are chronic diseases.
2. Compare acute

Derived Forms

• chronicity, noun
• ˈchronically, adverb

Other Words From

• chron·i·cal·ly adverb
• chro·nic·i·ty [kro-, nis, -i-tee], noun
• non·chron·ic adjective
• non·chron·i·cal adjective
• sub·chron·ic adjective
• sub·chron·i·cal adjective
• un·chron·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chronic¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin chronicus, from Greek chronikós, equivalent to chrón(os) “time” + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of chronic¹

C15: from Latin chronicus relating to time, from Greek khronikos, from khronos time

Example Sentences

Other research suggests that trained immunity could also contribute to chronic inflammation associated with age-related neurodegeneration, and with chronic liver disease, Type 2 diabetes and other diseases linked to the Western diet.

From Quanta Magazine

It’s also providing most insulin and medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to members without any copayment to help ensure compliance.

From Fortune

It was the idea of using vaccines to treat chronic diseases.

From Fortune

They also develop heart disease and a host of other chronic conditions at higher rates.

From Science News For Students

That could, for example, involve monitoring an employee’s vital signs via their smartphone and setting them up with a virtual coach to help manage a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease.

From Fortune

She insists, however, that she considers herself separate from victims of chronic abuse.

From The Daily Beast

Underneath my chronic prickliness and assholishness I am always, always thankful.

From The Daily Beast

And underneath my chronic prickliness and assholishness I am always, always thankful.

From The Daily Beast

And, from the south, chronic wasting disease is poised to decimate the elk herds.

From The Daily Beast

The procedure offered little relief: Chronic pain and infections plagued her.

From The Daily Beast

It is thinner than that of chronic bronchitis, and upon standing separates into three layers of pus, mucus, and frothy serum.

From Project Gutenberg

In the early stages of chronic nephritis, when diagnosis is difficult, it is usually normal.

From Project Gutenberg

It is low in chronic interstitial nephritis, diabetes insipidus, and many functional nervous disorders.

From Project Gutenberg

In acute and chronic parenchymatous nephritis the quantity is usually very large.

From Project Gutenberg

In chronic interstitial nephritis it is small—frequently no more than a trace.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constant
• continual
• continuing
• continuous
• deep-rooted
• deep-seated
• habitual
• incurable
• lifelong
• lingering
• persistent
• protracted
• recurrent
• recurring
• sustained