phthisis
/'θaisis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A disease of the lungs characterized by progressive wasting of the body; pulmonary tuberculosis or a similar condition. The term specifically refers to a chronic, infectious disease that causes the body to waste away, primarily affecting the lungs.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- In the 19th century, phthisis was a common and often fatal diagnosis.
- The symptoms of phthisis included a persistent cough, fever, and severe weight loss.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Literary Context: "Phthisis" is now considered an archaic or historical medical term. It is primarily encountered in historical texts, literature, or discussions of medical history.
- The character in the Victorian novel was sadly dying of phthisis.
Variants and Related Words
- Phthisic (adj): Pertaining to or affected by phthisis.
- The patient exhibited phthisic symptoms.
- Consumption (n): A historical synonym for pulmonary tuberculosis, often used interchangeably with "phthisis."
Synonyms
- Consumption: (Historical) Pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Tuberculosis (TB): The modern medical term for the infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs.
- Wasting disease: A descriptive term for illnesses causing severe weight loss and decline.
Notes on Usage
- The word "phthisis" is pronounced /ˈθaɪsɪs/ or /ˈtaɪsɪs/. It is rarely used in contemporary medical or everyday language, having been almost entirely replaced by "tuberculosis" or "TB." Its use today is largely confined to historical or specialized academic contexts.
Noun
- involving the lungs with progressive wasting of the body