kala-azar

noun

ka·​la-azar ˌkä-lə-ə-ˈzär 

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.

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu kālā-āzār, literally, black disease

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

kala-azar

noun

ˌkäl-ə-ə-ˌzär  ˌkal- 

: 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