diphtheria

noun

diph·​the·​ria dif-ˈthir-ē-ə 

nonstandard

dip- 

: an acute febrile contagious disease typically marked by the formation of a false membrane especially in the throat and caused by a gram-positive bacterium (Corynebacterium diphtheriae) that produces a toxin causing inflammation of the heart and nervous system

diphtherial

dif-ˈthir-ē-əl 

 nonstandard  dip-

adjective

diphtheritic

ˌdif-thə-ˈri-tik 

 nonstandard  ˌdip-

adjective

Examples of diphtheria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Florida to drop all vaccine requirements The US state of Florida is planning to drop all vaccination requirements, including routine childhood shots for measles, diphtheria, and other life-threatening illnesses. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025

In the Sunshine State, school districts, similarly to others around the country, require vaccinations for measles, rubella, pertussis, polio, diphtheria and other diseases. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 6 Sep. 2025

Florida immunization requirements for students include vaccines against polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B among others. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

In seventh grade, students must also get a dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis). —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French diphthérie, from Greek diphthera leather; from the toughness of the false membrane

First Known Use

circa 1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diphtheria

• arteria
• bacteria
• criteria
• egeria
• listeria
• neisseria
• wisteria
• cafeteria
• cyanobacteria
• mycobacteria

Kids Definition

diphtheria

noun

diph·​the·​ria dif-ˈthir-ē-ə  dip- 

: a contagious bacterial disease with fever in which the air passages become coated with a membranous layer that often obstructs breathing

diphtheritic

ˌdif-thə-ˈrit-ik 

ˌdip-

adjective

Medical Definition

diphtheria

noun

diph·​the·​ria dif-ˈthir-ē-ə  dip- 

: an acute febrile contagious disease typically marked by the formation of a false membrane especially in the throat and caused by a bacterium of the genus Corynebacterium (C. diphtheriae) which produces a toxin causing inflammation of the heart and nervous system

diphtherial

-ē-əl 

adjective