diphtheria

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"Here we have the germ of diphtheria, here of tuberculosis, here of typhoid fever, etc.

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Definitions (6)

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  1. noun An acute infectious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by the production of a systemic toxin and the formation of a false membrane on the lining of the mucous membrane of the throat and other respiratory passages, causing difficulty in breathing, high fever, and weakness. The toxin is particularly harmful to the tissues of the heart and central nervous system.

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. New Latin diphthēria, from French diphthérie, from Greek diphtherā, piece of hide, leather; see letter.

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  1. New Latin (so called with reference to the leathery nature of the membrane formed), from Greek διφθέρα, a prepared hide, skin, piece of leather, perhaps from δέφειν, soften, knead till soft, akin to L. depsere, knead, make supple, tan leather.
 

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/dɪpˈθiriə/
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