Lyme disease


Lyme disease

noun \ˈlīm-\

Definition of LYME DISEASE

: an acute inflammatory disease that is caused by a spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) transmitted by ticks (genus Ixodes and especially I. dammini), that is usually characterized initially by a spreading red annular erythematous skin lesion and by fatigue, fever, and chills, and that if left untreated may later manifest itself in joint pain, arthritis, and cardiac and neurological disorders —called also Lyme

Origin of LYME DISEASE

Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first reported
First Known Use: 1979

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: lyme grass
Previous Word in the Dictionary: lyme
All Words Near: Lyme disease

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up Lyme disease? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More