plural diseases
1
: an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant : a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally
infectious/contagious diseases
He suffers from a rare genetic disease.
a deadly/debilitating disease
a disease of the mind/kidneys
diseases of poultry
Thousands die of heart disease each year.
They are working to stop the spread of disease in rural areas.
gum/liver disease
2
: a problem that a person, group, organization, or society has and cannot stop
The article cites intolerance as one of the most dangerous of society's diseases.
He sees crime as a disease that too often plagues the poor and disadvantaged.
Cite this Entry
“Disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disease. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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