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filariasis

[ fil-uh-rahy-uh-sis ]
/ ˌfɪl əˈraɪ ə sɪs /
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noun
infection by filarial worms in the blood and lymph channels, lymph glands, and other tissues, the various species causing skin swellings, blindness, or elephantiasis if untreated.
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Origin of filariasis

First recorded in 1875–80; filar(ia) + -iasis

Words nearby filariasis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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British Dictionary definitions for filariasis

filariasis
/ (ˌfɪləˈraɪəsɪs, fɪˌlɛərɪˈeɪsɪs) /

noun
a disease common in tropical and subtropical countries resulting from infestation of the lymphatic system with the nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi, transmitted by mosquitoes: characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic vesselsSee also elephantiasis

Word Origin for filariasis

C19: from New Latin; see filaria
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for filariasis

filariasis
[ fĭl′ə-rī′ə-sĭs ]

Any of various infections, often of the skin, eyes, and lymph nodes, caused by infestation of tissue with filariae.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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