croup

¹ American  

[kroop] / krup /

noun

Pathology.

1. any condition of the larynx or trachea characterized by a hoarse cough and difficult breathing.

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croup ² American  

[kroop] / krup /

noun

1. the highest part of the rump of a quadruped, especially a horse.

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croup ¹ British  

/ kruːp /

noun

1. the hindquarters of a quadruped, esp a horse

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croup ² British  

/ kruːp /

noun

1. a throat condition, occurring usually in children, characterized by a hoarse cough and laboured breathing, resulting from inflammation and partial obstruction of the larynx

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croup Scientific  

/ kro̅o̅p /

1. An acute infection that affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, especially the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, and is caused most commonly by viruses of the genus Paramyxovirus. It is characterized by labored breathing and obstruction below the glottis, accompanied by a barking cough.

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Other Word Forms

• croupous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of croup¹

First recorded in 1755–65; noun use of croup “to cry hoarsely” (now dialectal), blend of croak and whoop

Origin of croup²

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English croupe, from Middle French, Anglo-French crupe, Old French crope, from Germanic; see crop

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

croup

If infected, a "small but significant proportion" among the immunocompromised will develop more severe disease where the lungs are affected, with wheezing, breathlessness and symptoms of croup.

From BBC ● Jan. 7, 2025

Her mother, Trista Hamsmith, took the toddler to the pediatrician, who suspected croup.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 29, 2024

In just 12 weeks, Elijah had developed tonsillitis, croup, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumonia, and an ear infection.

From BBC ● Mar. 3, 2024

It causes up to 10% of human respiratory infections, mainly in children and immunocompromised people, with symptoms ranging from mild coughs and sniffles to bronchitis and croup.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 14, 2023

My mother thinks that I was sick enough to have a croup tent set up.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• cold