Definition of RECRUDESCENCE

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Recrudescence derives from the Latin verb recrudescere, meaning "to become raw again" (used, for example, of wounds). Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Latin word for raw," which is "crudus." (If you suspect that "crude" is also derived from "crudus," you are correct; another well-known descendant is "cruel.") In its literal sense, "recrudescence" is a medical word denoting a renewed outbreak of a disease. In extended use, it most often describes the return of an undesirable condition, such as a war or a plague, or the return of an undesirable idea.

Examples of recrudescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is also evident in the recrudescence of the Little House on the Prairie look for younger women, a style that has historically been a favorite among the chronically abstinent. — Cintra Wilson, The New York Review of Books, "Waste Not, Shop Not," 11 Feb. 2020 All this will lead to a recrudescence of interesting political theory. — The Economist, "The centre cannot hold - the failure of Change UK and the atrophying of political thought," 19 June 2019 Only this wise, collegial institution prevents a recrudescence of World War II. — Lionel Shriver, Harper's magazine, "No Exit," 10 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recrudescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.