Definition

Noun: A bacterial infection, specifically of the oropharynx (the back of the throat, including the tonsils), caused by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.

Usage

This is a medical term used to describe a specific type of bacterial throat infection. It is often used in clinical, diagnostic, and public health contexts. - The term is typically used in its full form, streptococcal sore throat, to be precise. - In informal medical conversation, it may be shortened to "strep throat."

Examples

• The doctor diagnosed the patient with a streptococcal sore throat and prescribed antibiotics.
• Outbreaks of streptococcal sore throat are common in school settings during the winter months.
• A rapid test can confirm if a sore throat is a streptococcal sore throat or caused by a virus.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to distinguish this bacterial condition from viral pharyngitis, as the treatment (antibiotics) is different.
• In epidemiology, one might discuss the incidence or transmission of streptococcal sore throat.

Variants and Related Words

• Strep throat (n.): The common, abbreviated name for streptococcal sore throat.
• Streptococcal pharyngitis (n.): A more clinical synonym, using "pharyngitis" (inflammation of the pharynx).
• Streptococcus (n.): The genus of bacteria that causes the infection.
• Tonsillitis (n.): Inflammation of the tonsils, which can be caused by streptococcus or other pathogens.

Synonyms

• Strep throat
• Streptococcal pharyngitis
• Bacterial tonsillopharyngitis (very clinical)

Antonyms

• Viral sore throat: A sore throat caused by a virus, such as the common cold or influenza virus.
• Non-infectious pharyngitis: Throat inflammation caused by irritants like smoke or allergies, not an infection.

Noun

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