Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by a persistent, watery discharge of mucus from the nose. It is a common symptom of conditions like the common cold, allergies, or sinus infections.

Usage

Rhinorrhea is a formal, clinical term used primarily in medical contexts to describe a specific symptom. It is not typically used in casual conversation, where terms like "runny nose" are more common. - The patient's primary complaint was severe rhinorrhea and sneezing. - Allergic rhinorrhea can be triggered by pollen.

Examples

• The doctor noted that the rhinorrhea was likely due to a viral infection.
• Chronic rhinorrhea may require further investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• A common side effect of the medication is transient rhinorrhea.

Advanced Usage

• Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: A serious condition where cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the nose, often due to head trauma or surgery. This is a specific, diagnostic use of the term.
  • The clear, unilateral discharge raised suspicion for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

Variants and Related Words

• Rhinorrhoea: An alternative British English spelling.
• Rhinological (adj): Pertaining to the nose or rhinology (the study of nasal diseases).
• Rhinologist (n): A specialist in nasal disorders.

Synonyms

• Runny nose: The common, non-technical term.
• Nasal discharge: A more general clinical term that can describe different types of discharge.
• Rhinorrhoea (alternative spelling).

Antonyms

• Nasal congestion: Blockage or stuffiness of the nasal passages.
• Xeromycteria: Abnormal dryness of the nasal membranes (a very rare, technical term).

Noun

1. persistent watery mucus discharge from the nose (as in the common cold)