diphtheria
[ dif-theer-ee-uh, dip- ]
/ dɪfˈθɪər i ə, dɪp- /
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noun Pathology.
a febrile, infectious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and characterized by the formation of a false membrane in the air passages, especially the throat.
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Origin of diphtheria
Words nearby diphtheria
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use diphtheria in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for diphtheria
diphtheria
/ (dɪpˈθɪərɪə, dɪf-) /
noun
an acute contagious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, producing fever, severe prostration, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing as the result of swelling of the throat and formation of a false membrane
Derived forms of diphtheria
diphtherial, diphtheritic (ˌdɪpθəˈrɪtɪk, dɪf-) or diphtheric (dɪpˈθɛrɪk, dɪf-), adjectivediphtheroid, adjectiveWord Origin for diphtheria
C19: New Latin, from French diphthérie, from Greek diphthera leather; from the nature of the membrane
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for diphtheria
diphtheria
[ dĭf-thîr′ē-ə, dĭp- ]
n.
An acute infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and characterized by the production of a systemic toxin and the formation of a false membrane on the lining of the mucous membrane of the throat and other respiratory passages, causing difficulty in breathing, high fever, and weakness. The toxin is particularly harmful to the tissues of the heart and central nervous system.
Other words from diphtheria
diph′the•rit′ic (-thə-rĭt′ĭk) null null adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for diphtheria
diphtheria
[ dĭf-thîr′ē-ə, dĭp- ]
An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and characterized by fever, swollen glands, and the formation of a membrane in the throat that prevents breathing. Infants are routinely vaccinated against diphtheria, which was once a common cause of death in children.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for diphtheria
diphtheria
[ (dif-theer-ee-uh, dip-theer-ee-uh) ]
An acute disease, and a contagious disease, caused by bacteria that invade mucous membranes in the body, especially those found in the throat. The bacteria produce toxic substances that can spread throughout the body.
notes for diphtheria
In developed countries, diphtheria has been virtually wiped out through an active program of infant immunization.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.