diphtheria

[ dif-theer-ee-uh, dip- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a febrile, infectious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and characterized by the formation of a false membrane in the air passages, especially the throat.

diphtheria

/ dɪf-; dɪf-; dɪpˈθɪərɪə; ˌdɪpθəˈrɪtɪk; dɪpˈθɛrɪk; dɪf- /

noun

1. an acute contagious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, producing fever, severe prostration, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing as the result of swelling of the throat and formation of a false membrane

diphtheria

/ dĭf-thîr′ē-ə,dĭp- /

1. An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and characterized by fever, swollen glands, and the formation of a membrane in the throat that prevents breathing. Infants are routinely vaccinated against diphtheria, which was once a common cause of death in children.

diphtheria

1. An acute disease , and a contagious disease , caused by bacteria that invade mucous membranes in the body, especially those found in the throat. The bacteria produce toxic substances that can spread throughout the body.

Notes

In developed countries, diphtheria has been virtually wiped out through an active program of infant immunization .

Derived Forms

• diphˈtherial, adjective
• ˈdiphtheˌroid, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diphtheria¹

1850–55; < New Latin < French diphthérie < Greek diphthér ( a ) skin, leather + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of diphtheria¹

C19: New Latin, from French diphthérie, from Greek diphthera leather; from the nature of the membrane

Example Sentences

As was typically the case, Trump offered no further specifics, but all 50 states mandate not only MMR vaccinations, but shots against polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and chicken pox for all schoolchildren.

From Los Angeles Times

The benefit of adding an adjuvant to a vaccine was first noted in the 1920s, when alum -- an aluminum salt -- was discovered to boost the effectiveness of a diphtheria vaccine.

From Science Daily

They suspect that the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and diphtheria may be sensitive to umbrella toxins.

From Science Daily

Venafro, who said he had a compromised immune system, sought treatment at a local urgent care center, where he was prescribed antibiotics and vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

From Seattle Times

It is meant to be administered, alongside inoculation for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and others, from the very first weeks of life.

From BBC