kala-azar

noun

ka·​la-azar ˌkä-lə-ə-ˈzär How to pronounce kala-azar (audio)
ˌka-
: visceral leishmaniasis
In endemic areas, classic initial symptoms of kala-azar are fever and chills, which may persist for several weeks.Burton J. Bogitsh et al.

Examples of kala-azar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Bangladesh made history in 2023 as the first country anywhere to eliminate kala-azar, otherwise known as visceral leishmaniasis, a disease transmitted by sand flies that is 95% fatal when left untreated. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu kālā-āzār, literally, black disease

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kala-azar was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near kala-azar

Cite this Entry

“Kala-azar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kala-azar. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

: visceral leishmaniasis
The diagnosis of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) was made by bone marrow examination in seven cases and by liver biopsy in one case.The Journal of the American Medical Association
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