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

Derived Forms

• antituberculosis
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tuberculosis

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

Explanation

Tuberculosis is a contagious and deadly disease. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can spread to the rest of the body. When a character from 19th century literature coughs into a blood-speckled hanky, tuberculosis is often to blame. Tuberculosis — often called TB — is a serious disease that is now rare. Whew. When someone catches tuberculosis, which is transmitted by tubercle-bacillus through the air, lesions called tubercles grow in the lungs, causing serious health problems. If not treated, the disease can spread throughout the body. TB shows up in a lot of old literature and operas – the Romantic poet John Keats wrote poems about TB and died at age 25 from the disease.

Example Sentences

People in Mongbwalu are used to outbreaks of tuberculosis and malaria, the initial symptoms of which are similar to those of Ebola, but both of which are much more treatable.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

A government hospital insisted it was tuberculosis, although silicosis can also make people more susceptible to TB.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

Barbara Stanwyck plays a celebrated concert pianist being treated for tuberculosis in an elite Swiss Alps sanitarium.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Eddie died of what is believed to be tuberculosis shortly before his fourth birthday.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Anna Djvorak was convinced that the doctor had miraculously saved her son’s life by not sending him to the tuberculosis sanatorium back in 1903.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison