strep throat

noun

Pathology.

1. an acute sore throat caused by hemolytic streptococci and accompanied by fever and prostration.

strep throat

1. Infection of the throat caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms usually include fever, redness of the throat, lymph node enlargement, and inflammation of the tonsils.

strep throat

1. A severe sore throat caused by a kind of streptococcus. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics.

Word History and Origins

Origin of strep throat¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

"If you see spots at the back of your throat, that's definitely a sign that you've got strep throat and you might need some antibiotics," she adds.

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The first hospital diagnosed her with strep throat without investigating her sharp abdominal cramps.

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The British rock icon Rod Stewart canceled the planned 200th show of his long-running Las Vegas residency, citing strep throat.

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Demand for the common antibiotic, which is used for respiratory infections, strep throat and ear infections, spiked amid fears of a “triple-demic” last year, leading to shortages.

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Most Americans are familiar with medical tests like those used to screen for COVID-19, strep throat and other health conditions.

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