falciparum malaria

noun

fal·​cip·​a·​rum malaria fal-ˈsi-pə-rəm- How to pronounce falciparum malaria (audio)
: extremely severe malaria caused by a sporozoan parasite (Plasmodium falciparum)

Examples of falciparum malaria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 1st–2nd century CE southern Italy. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, specific epithet, from Latin falc-, falx + -parum, neuter of -parus -parous

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of falciparum malaria was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“Falciparum malaria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falciparum%20malaria. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

falciparum malaria

noun
fal·​cip·​a·​rum malaria fal-ˈsip-ə-rəm- How to pronounce falciparum malaria (audio) fȯl- How to pronounce falciparum malaria (audio)
: severe malaria caused by a parasite of the genus Plasmodium (P. falciparum) and marked by irregular recurrence of paroxysms and usually prolonged or continuous fever

called also malignant malaria, malignant tertian malaria, subtertian malaria

compare vivax malaria

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