falciparum malaria

noun

fal·​cip·​a·​rum malaria fal-ˈsi-pə-rəm- 

: extremely severe malaria caused by a sporozoan parasite (Plasmodium falciparum)

Examples of falciparum malaria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 1st–2nd century CE southern Italy. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024

Their microbial factory was able to produce artemisinic acid, which is only one chemical step away from artemisinin, the most efficient drug against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. —Luc Henry, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2014

Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmitted in hospital through heparin locks. —Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2014

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

Medical Definition

falciparum malaria

noun

fal·​cip·​a·​rum malaria fal-ˈsip-ə-rəm-  fȯl- 

: 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