Definition

Noun: A common bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, specifically caused by bacteria of the Streptococcus genus (often Group A Streptococcus). It is characterized by a severe and sudden sore throat.

Usage and Examples

Noun: - The doctor diagnosed her with strep throat and prescribed antibiotics. - A rapid test can confirm if a sore throat is strep throat. - Fever and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms of strep throat.

Advanced Usage

• "a case of strep throat": Used to specify an instance of the illness.
  • He missed school because he had a case of strep throat.

Variants and Related Words

• Streptococcal pharyngitis: The formal medical term for strep throat.
• Strep (informal, noun): A common shortening.
  • I think I have strep.

Synonyms

• Streptococcal sore throat
• Septic sore throat (less common)

Important Notes

Strep throat is a specific diagnosis. Not all sore throats are strep throat; many are caused by viruses. It typically requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent potential complications.

Noun

1. an infection of the oral pharynx and tonsils by streptococcus