tuberculosis

American  

[too-bur-kyuh-loh-sis, tyoo-] / tʊˌbɜr kyəˈloʊ sɪs, tyʊ- /

noun

Pathology.

1. an infectious disease that may affect almost any tissue of the body, especially the lungs, caused by the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and characterized by tubercles.

2. this disease when affecting the lungs; pulmonary phthisis; consumption.

3. any disease caused by a mycobacterium.

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tuberculosis British  

/ tjʊˌbɜːkjʊˈləʊsɪs /

noun

1. Also called: consumption.   phthisis.   TB.  a communicable disease caused by infection with the tubercle bacillus, most frequently affecting the lungs ( pulmonary tuberculosis )

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tuberculosis Scientific  

/ t-bûr′kyə-lō′sĭs /

1. An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is transmitted through inhalation and is characterized by cough, fever, shortness of breath, weight loss, and the appearance of inflammatory substances and tubercles in the lungs. Tuberculosis is highly contagious and can spread to other parts of the body, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Although the incidence of the disease has declined since the introduction of antibiotic treatment in the 1950's, it is still a major public-health problem throughout the world, especially in Asia and Africa.

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tuberculosis Cultural  

1. An infectious disease caused by bacteria that mainly attack the lungs. The disease is characterized by the formation of patches, called tubercles, that appear in the lungs and, in later stages, the bones, joints, and other parts of the body. Tuberculosis is treated with combinations of antibiotics and is no longer considered a major health problem in industrialized countries. It was formerly called consumption.

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Discover More

Years ago, tuberculosis (consumption) was a major killer; it often figures in literature and drama.

In recent years, the incidence of tuberculosis has been on the increase in the United States, particularly in large cities, mainly because the strains of the bacterium have developed resistance to antibiotics.

Other Word Forms

• antituberculosis adjective

Etymology

Origin of tuberculosis

First recorded in 1855–60; from New Latin tūberculōsis; tubercle, -osis

Example Sentences

They can even detect tuberculosis, an infectious disease that commonly affects the lungs, far quicker than it would be found in a lab using conventional microscopy, Apopo has said.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

He accomplished much in the later part of his life, although he died at only 44 years old of the tuberculosis that plagued his family.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Ancient DNA also revealed tuberculosis at the site, belonging to a lineage known from pre-contact South America.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

WHO has played a role in eradicating smallpox and tackling public health threats like polio, HIV, Ebola and tuberculosis.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Severe reducing was thought to be the culprit behind an epidemic of fatal lung diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, among jockeys.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand