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diphtheria

Diphtheria is defined as an infectious disease, caused by the bacteria corynebacterium diphtheriae, with a high fever, weakness and difficult breathing and swallowing.

(noun)

An example of diphtheria is a condition you get when exposed to bacteria that makes it hard for you to swallow or breath.

See diphtheria in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

an acute infectious disease caused by a bacterium (Corynebacterium diphtheriae) and characterized by weakness, high fever, the formation in the air passages of a tough, membranelike obstruction to breathing, and the production of a potent neurotoxin

Origin: ModL < Fr diphtherie (so named (1855) by A. Trousseau (1801-67), Fr physician, replacing earlier diphthérite, first used (1821) by P. Bretonneau (1778-1862), Fr physician) < Gr diphthera, leather < dephein, to tan hides < IE base *deph-, to knead, stamp > Arm topʼel, to strike

Related Forms:

diphtherial adjective

See diphtheria in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An acute infectious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by the production of a systemic toxin and the formation of a false membrane on the lining of the mucous membrane of the throat and other respiratory passages, causing difficulty in breathing, high fever, and weakness. The toxin is particularly harmful to the tissues of the heart and central nervous system.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin diphthēria

Origin: , from French diphthérie

Origin: , from Greek diphtherā, piece of hide, leather; see letter

Related Forms: