elephantiasis
Americannoun
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Pathology. a chronic filarial disease resulting in lymphatic obstruction, characterized by marked enlargement of the parts affected, especially of the legs and scrotum, transmitted by mosquitoes.
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untoward growth or development.
bureaucratic elephantiasis.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of elephantiasis
1575–85; < Latin < Greek elephantíāsis, equivalent to elephant- elephant + -iāsis -iasis
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Several serious, neglected tropical diseases in humans are caused by roundworms, including river blindness, lymphatic elephantiasis and ascariasis.
From Scientific American ● Jun. 18, 2023
The country has managed to eliminate malaria, polio, leprosy, the tropical parasitic disease filariasis commonly known as elephantiasis, and most other vaccine-preventable diseases.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 12, 2022
These include elephantiasis, trachoma and Guinea Worm and are among 20 disease groups that mainly affect people in the poorest countries.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2021
He was recognized by the World Health Organization for his work in the Cook Islands helping stamp out the tropical disease lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 5, 2020
A tropical mosquito that carries parasites responsible for such diseases as elephantiasis has become strongly resistant in many parts of the world.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
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