recrudescence

noun

re·cru·des·cence | \ˌrē-krü-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s

\

Definition of recrudescence

: a new outbreak after a period of abatement or inactivity : renewal a recrudescence of the symptoms a recrudescence of guerrilla warfare

Did You Know?

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.

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The first known use of recrudescence was in 1665

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recrudescence

noun

re·cru·des·cence | \ˌrē-krü-ˈdes-ᵊn(t)s

\

Medical Definition of recrudescence

: increased severity of a disease after a remission also : recurrence of a disease after a brief intermission — compare relapse

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