leprosy

leprosy definition - medical

lep·ro·sy (lĕpˈrə-sē)

noun
A chronic, mildly contagious granulomatous disease of tropical and subtropical regions, caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by ulcers of the skin, bone, and viscera and leading to loss of sensation, paralysis, gangrene, and deformation. It occurs in two principal types: lepromatous and tuberculoid. Also called Hansen's disease.

Related Forms:

  • lepˈrous (lĕpˈrəs), lep·rotˈic (lĕ-prŏtˈĭk) 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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