catarrh

noun

ca·​tarrh kə-ˈtär 

: inflammation of a mucous membrane

especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages

catarrhal

kə-ˈtär-əl 

adjective

catarrhally

kə-ˈtär-ə-lē 

adverb

Word History

Etymology

Middle English catarre, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French catarrhe, from Late Latin catarrhus, from Greek katarrhous, from katarrhein to flow down, from kata- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

catarrh

noun

ca·​tarrh kə-ˈtär 

: inflammation of a mucous membrane

especially : inflammation of the human nose and air passages that lasts a long time

catarrhal

-ˈtär-əl 

adjective

Medical Definition

catarrh

noun

ca·​tarrh kə-ˈtär 

: inflammation of a mucous membrane in humans or animals

especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages

catarrhal

-əl 

adjective

catarrhally

-ə-lē 

adverb