Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Afflicted with scrofula: Having or relating to scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
   • Having a diseased or unhealthy appearance: Resembling or suggestive of the symptoms of scrofula, such as swollen glands or a sickly look.
   • Morally corrupt or degenerate: Describing something that is considered morally tainted, corrupt, or sordid.

Usage Examples

• Afflicted with scrofula:
  • The scrofulous child was taken to the hospital for treatment of the neck swelling.
• Having a diseased appearance:
  • The old, scrofulous walls of the building were covered in damp patches and mold.
• Morally corrupt:
  • The novel exposes the scrofulous dealings within the city's political machine.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative use for places or things: Often used to describe something that is physically decaying or morally corrupt in a way that evokes disgust.
  • He wandered through the scrofulous back alleys of the port city.

Variants and Related Words

• Scrofula (noun): The disease itself, a tuberculous infection of the lymph nodes.
• Scrofulously (adverb): In a scrofulous manner.

Synonyms

• Diseased: Affected with illness.
• Unhealthy: Not in good health.
• Sordid: Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste.
• Corrupt: Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly.

Antonyms

• Healthy: In good health.
• Wholesome: Conducive to or suggestive of good health and physical well-being; morally beneficial.
• Pure: Not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material; free of moral fault.

Notes on Usage

• The primary medical meaning (relating to scrofula) is now rare, as the disease itself is uncommon in the modern era.
• The word is more frequently encountered in its figurative senses, particularly in literary or historical contexts to describe moral corruption or physical decay. Its use often carries a strong negative connotation.

Adjective

1. having a diseased appearance resembling scrofula
   • our canoe...lay with her scrofulous sides on the shore- Farley Mowat
2. morally contaminated
   • denounce the scrofulous wealth of the times- J.D.Hart
3. afflicted with scrofula