phthisis

American  

[thahy-sis, tahy-] / ˈθaɪ sɪs, ˈtaɪ- /

noun

Pathology.

1. a wasting away.

2. pulmonary tuberculosis; consumption.

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phthisis British  

/ ˈfθaɪ-, ˈtaɪ-, ˈθaɪsɪs /

noun

1. any disease that causes wasting of the body, esp pulmonary tuberculosis

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Etymology

Origin of phthisis

1515–25; < Greek phthísis lung disease, literally, a wasting away, equivalent to phthí ( ein ) to decay + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Wall Streeters parochially felt that the Administration's encouraging words were calculated to alleviate the stock market's phthisis.

From Time Magazine Archive

Elevation of site has importance, not only in regard to climatic hygiene, but also to its therapeutic use, particularly in the treatment of phthisis, goitre, and some affections of the nervous system.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Of fifty-nine resident medical assistants who lived in the hospital an average of six months each, only two are dead, and these not from phthisis.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Continued diarrhoea, phthisis pulmonalis, mesenteric disease, cancer, and aneurism of the aorta are among the most frequent causes of great emaciation.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Phthisis may be developed in consequence of an attack of influenza, and if phthisis be already established it is apt to run a more rapid course.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various