catarrh

[ kuh-tahr ]

noun

1. Pathology. inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially of the respiratory tract, accompanied by excessive secretions.

catarrh

/ kəˈtɑː /

noun

1. inflammation of a mucous membrane with increased production of mucus, esp affecting the nose and throat in the common cold
2. the mucus so formed

Derived Forms

• caˈtarrhal, adjective

Other Words From

• ca·tarrhal ca·tarrhous adjective
• ca·tarrhal·ly adverb
• nonca·tarrhal adjective
• postca·tarrhal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of catarrh¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin catarrhus < Greek katárrous literally, down-flowing, equivalent to katarr ( eîn ) to flow down ( kata- cata- + rheîn to flow) + -ous, variant of -eos (theme vowel + adj. suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of catarrh¹

C16: via French from Late Latin catarrhus, from Greek katarrous, from katarrhein to flow down, from kata- down + rhein to flow

Example Sentences

Upon the upper lip it may have its origin in a nasal catarrh.

From Project Gutenberg

And so the coming declaration of love is effectually nipped in the bud by the unromantic realities of the present catarrh.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, I ain't a-goin' to run the risk o' you havin' catarrh o' the nose an' confusin' your smells to-night.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet the influenza bacillus itself finds the greatest ally in any catarrh of the nose or throat.

From Project Gutenberg

Dispensatory: The leaves have been supposed to be useful in chronic catarrh and other pectoral affections.

From Project Gutenberg