scrofula

noun scrof·u·la \ ˈskrȯ-fyə-lə , ˈskrä- \

Definition of scrofula

: tuberculosis of lymph nodes especially in the neck

Recent Examples of scrofula from the Web

Several diseases, such as diabetes, yellow fever, typhoid fever and the glandular disease scrofula, can be associated with certain scents.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "When it comes to attractiveness, your smell and voice play a role," 18 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of scrofula

New Latin, back-formation from Late Latin scrofulae, plural, swellings of the lymph nodes of the neck, from plural of scrofula, diminutive of Latin scrofa breeding sow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1791

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year