trachoma

[ truh-koh-muh ]

noun

, Ophthalmology.

1. a chronic, contagious infection of the conjunctiva and cornea, characterized by the formation of granulations and scarring and caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

trachoma

/ trəˈkəʊmə; trəˈkɒmətəs; -ˈkəʊ- /

noun

1. a chronic contagious disease of the eye characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea and the formation of scar tissue, caused by infection with the virus-like bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis

trachoma

/ trə-kō′mə /

1. A contagious disease of the conjunctiva and cornea, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and characterized by granules of inflammatory tissue. It is a major cause of blindness in Asia and Africa.

Derived Forms

• trachomatous, adjective

Other Words From

• tra·chom·a·tous [tr, uh, -, kom, -, uh, -t, uh, s, -, koh, -m, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trachoma¹

1685–95; < Greek trā́chōma roughness, equivalent to trāch ( ýs ) rough + -ōma -oma

Word History and Origins

Origin of trachoma¹

C17: from New Latin, from Greek trakhōma roughness, from trakhus rough

Example Sentences

This is an operation for the removal of follicular formations in the conjunctiva, and is used more especially in trachoma.

From Project Gutenberg

The disease sometimes lasts for years without causing Trachoma.

From Project Gutenberg

Trachoma, a virulent form of conjunctivitis, is a communicable eye disease which must be carefully safeguarded.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of these cases are out-and-out trachoma, others acute conjunctivitis, and a larger proportion are "mild trachoma."

From Project Gutenberg

Two other "catching" diseases cause city schools a great deal of trouble,—trachoma and pediculosis (head lice).

From Project Gutenberg