diphtheria

diphtheria definition - medical

diph·the·ri·a (dĭf-thîrˈē-ə, dĭp-)

noun
An acute infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and 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.

Related Forms:

  • diphˌthe·ritˈic (-thə-rĭtˈĭk), diph·therˈic (-thĕrˈĭk), diph·theˈri·al adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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