phthisis

noun

phthi·​sis ˈthī-səs How to pronounce phthisis (audio)
ˈtī-,
ˈthi-,
ˈti- How to pronounce phthisis (audio)
plural phthises ˈthī-ˌsēz How to pronounce phthisis (audio)
ˈtī-,
ˈthi-,
ˈti-
: a progressively wasting or consumptive condition
especially : pulmonary tuberculosis

Examples of phthisis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The disease was known as phthisis to the ancient Greeks and the physician Hippocrates reports that many in his homeland succumbed to the illness. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Bleeding and mercury have had their day; cod liver oil and chloral hydrate are already on the wane; alcohol and bullock's blood are now in vogue among the Parisians—the former for fevers and all inflammatory affections, and the latter for anaemia and pulmonary phthisis. Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2022 It has been documented in humans for thousands of years under various names—including consumption, phthisis and the White Plague—and was the leading infectious killer in the world (above HIV) until 2020, when Covid-19 claimed the top spot. Robert Hart, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2021 Doctors like the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates noted tuberculosis, or phthisis (from the Greek phthinein for wasting), appeared to be most fatal in young adults. Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 10 May 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phthisis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek, from phthinein to waste away; akin to Sanskrit kṣiṇoti he destroys

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phthisis was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near phthisis

Cite this Entry

“Phthisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phthisis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

phthisis

noun
: a progressively wasting or consumptive condition
especially : pulmonary tuberculosis

More from Merriam-Webster on phthisis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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