phthisis

[ thahy-sis, tahy- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a wasting away.
2. pulmonary tuberculosis; consumption.

phthisis

/ ˈfθaɪ-; ˈtaɪ-; ˈθaɪsɪs /

noun

1. any disease that causes wasting of the body, esp pulmonary tuberculosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of phthisis¹

1515–25; < Greek phthísis lung disease, literally, a wasting away, equivalent to phthí ( ein ) to decay + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of phthisis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: a wasting away, from phthinein to waste away

Example Sentences

Of the 141 cases under notice, I only know of three who have died, and all of then of phthisis pulmonalis.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, perhaps, most clearly seen in such physical diseases as phthisis, to which one-seventh of all the pauperism is due.

From Project Gutenberg

They seem to have been quite expert in their knowledge of phthisis.

From Project Gutenberg

Irritation of the lungs; probably, indeed most certainly, incipient phthisis.

From Project Gutenberg

I have elsewhere stated that, twenty-three years ago, I had incipient phthisis.

From Project Gutenberg