croup

¹

[ kroop ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any condition of the larynx or trachea characterized by a hoarse cough and difficult breathing.

croup

²

[ kroop ]

noun

1. the highest part of the rump of a quadruped, especially a horse.

croup

¹

/ kruːp /

noun

1. a throat condition, occurring usually in children, characterized by a hoarse cough and laboured breathing, resulting from inflammation and partial obstruction of the larynx

croup

²

/ kruːp /

noun

1. the hindquarters of a quadruped, esp a horse

croup

/ kro̅o̅p /

1. An acute infection that affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, especially the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, and is caused most commonly by viruses of the genus Paramyxovirus. It is characterized by labored breathing and obstruction below the glottis, accompanied by a barking cough.

Derived Forms

• ˈcroupous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of croup¹

First recorded in 1755–65; noun use of croup “to cry hoarsely” (now dialectal), blend of croak and whoop

Origin of croup²

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English croupe, from Middle French, Anglo-French crupe, Old French crope, from Germanic; crop

Word History and Origins

Origin of croup¹

C16 croup to cry hoarsely, probably of imitative origin

Origin of croup²

C13: from Old French croupe; related to German Kruppe

Example Sentences

I took in the situation almost at a glance—membranous croup!

From Project Gutenberg

I have never examined the throat of a child dead from so-called membranous croup in which I did not find the diphtheria bacillus.

From Project Gutenberg

And one night when Pat was suddenly assailed by croup Peter almost worried himself sick.

From Project Gutenberg

He was took with the croup yesterday morning, and he just went off in the evening.

From Project Gutenberg

A teaspoonful of it is said to be one of the very best emetics in croup.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backside