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.
Lymphatic elephantiasis was deemed eradicated in several countries after such programs were implemented.
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
If I can’t quite get the hang of poverty-chastity-and-obedience, I can learn instead about vermifuges, breech deliveries, arrow wounds, gangrene, and elephantiasis.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
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