elephantiasis

[ el-uh-fuhn-tahy-uh-sis, -fan- ]

noun

1. Pathology. a chronic filarial disease resulting in lymphatic obstruction, characterized by marked enlargement of the parts affected, especially of the legs and scrotum, transmitted by mosquitoes.
2. untoward growth or development:

   bureaucratic elephantiasis.

elephantiasis

/ ˌɛlɪfənˈtaɪəsɪk; ˌɛlɪfənˈtaɪəsɪs; ˌɛlɪˌfæntɪˈæsɪk /

noun

1. pathol a complication of chronic filariasis, in which nematode worms block the lymphatic vessels, usually in the legs or scrotum, causing extreme enlargement of the affected area See also filariasis

Derived Forms

• elephantiasic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elephantiasis¹

1575–85; < Latin < Greek elephantíāsis, equivalent to elephant- elephant + -iāsis -iasis

Word History and Origins

Origin of elephantiasis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, from elephas elephant + -iasis

Example Sentences

Undoubtedly his existence is a product of the system, a pathological product, a kind of elephantiasis of individualism.

From Project Gutenberg

Unfortunately, he was afflicted with elephantiasis, and his appearance did not at all tend to whet the edge of our appetites.

From Project Gutenberg

What really bothers us a little is the mosquito affair—the so-called elephantiasis—ask Ross about it.

From Project Gutenberg

What are the diagnostic characters of beginning elephantiasis?

From Project Gutenberg

But you and I, Gentlemen, let us thank God we are not officially barked about with such a leprous elephantiasis as that.

From Project Gutenberg