phthisis

noun

phthi·sis ˈthī-səs

ˈtī-,

ˈthi-,

ˈti-

plural phthises ˈthī-ˌsēz

ˈtī-,

ˈthi-,

ˈti-

: a progressively wasting or consumptive condition

especially : pulmonary tuberculosis

Examples of phthisis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bleeding and mercury have had their day; cod liver oil and chloral hydrate are already on the wane; alcohol and bullock's blood are now in vogue among the Parisians—the former for fevers and all inflammatory affections, and the latter for anaemia and pulmonary phthisis. —

Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2022 It has been documented in humans for thousands of years under various names—including consumption, phthisis and the White Plague—and was the leading infectious killer in the world (above HIV) until 2020, when Covid-19 claimed the top spot. —

Robert Hart, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2021 Doctors like the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates noted tuberculosis, or phthisis (from the Greek phthinein for wasting), appeared to be most fatal in young adults. —

Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 10 May 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phthisis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.