croup

¹croup

noun \ˈkrüp\

Definition of CROUP

: the rump of a quadruped

Origin of CROUP

Middle English croupe, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German kropf craw — more at crop

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with CROUP

bloop, coop, droop, drupe, dupe, goop, group, hoop, loop, loupe, poop, roup, scoop, sloop, snoop, soup, stoop, stoup, stupe, swoop, troop, troupe, whoop

²croup

noun

Definition of CROUP

: inflammation, edema, and subsequent obstruction of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi especially of infants and young children that is typically caused by a virus and is marked by episodes of difficult breathing and hoarse metallic cough

— croupy \-pē\ adjective

Origin of CROUP

English dialect croup to cry hoarsely, cough, probably of imitative origin

First Known Use: 1765

croup

noun \ˈkrüp\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CROUP

: inflammation, edema, and subsequent obstruction of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi especially of infants and young children that is typically caused by a virus and is marked by episodes of difficult breathing and hoarse metallic cough

—croup·ous \ˈkrü-pəs\ adjective

—croupy \-pē\ adjective, croup·i·er croup·i·est

croup

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Acute laryngeal inflammation and spasms in young children, with harsh cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. Causes include infection, allergy, and physical irritation of the larynx. Viral croup, the most common, usually occurs before age 3. It can usually be treated at home with a cool mist vaporizer. Bacterial croup (epiglottitis) generally strikes between ages 3 and 7. Swelling of the epiglottis rapidly causes severe breathing and swallowing difficulty, requiring antibiotics and insertion of a breathing tube.