phthisical

A patient with a phthisical condition rests in a sanatorium.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to phthisis: "phthisical" describes a condition or characteristic associated with phthisis, an archaic term for tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.
   • Affected by phthisis: It can also mean suffering from or exhibiting symptoms of tuberculosis, such as a chronic wasting away or emaciation.

Usage Examples

• (A cough typical of tuberculosis.)
• (The appearance of lungs affected by tuberculosis.)
• (A pale complexion associated with tuberculosis.)

Advanced Usage

• "phthisical habit": a constitutional tendency toward tuberculosis, historically used to describe a lean, narrow-chested physique believed to predispose to the disease.

  • The doctor noted the patient's phthisical habit and recommended frequent checkups. (The patient's slender, vulnerable body type.)

• "phthisical fever": the low-grade, persistent fever often seen in tuberculosis patients.

  • The phthisical fever was accompanied by night sweats and weight loss. (The fever typical of tuberculosis.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phthisis (n): the disease itself; tuberculosis, especially of the lungs.

  • The sanatorium was built to treat patients with phthisis. (The institution for tuberculosis care.)

• Phthisicky (adj): a rare, informal variant meaning affected by or resembling phthisis.

  • His phthisicky cough echoed through the quiet ward. (His tuberculosis-like cough.)

Synonyms

• Tubercular: relating to or affected by tuberculosis.
• Consumptive: an older term for a person suffering from tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.

Related Idioms

• "Phthisical look": an appearance of wasting or emaciation, often pale and gaunt, reminiscent of tuberculosis.
  • The artist captured the phthisical look of the dying poet in his portrait. (The emaciated, pallid appearance.)