Diphtheria - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It can cause difficulty breathing, heart failure, and even death if untreated. Vaccination prevents it.
Definition:
A serious bacterial infection causing throat inflammation and difficulty breathing.
Synonyms:
throat infection, bacterial disease, respiratory illness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
health, wellness
Common Collocations:
diphtheria vaccine, diphtheria outbreak, diphtheria symptoms
Derivatives:
diphtheritic, diphtheroid
Usage Tips:
Use "diphtheria" to refer specifically to the bacterial disease, not general throat infections.
Common Phrases:
diphtheria scare, fight against diphtheria, diphtheria epidemic
Etymology:
From Greek "diphthera" (leather), referring to the throat membrane's appearance.
Examples:
- 1. The doctor diagnosed the child with diphtheria after examining her swollen throat.
- 2. Vaccination has nearly eradicated diphtheria in many countries.
- 3. She recovered from diphtheria after weeks of intensive treatment.
- 4. Health officials warned about a diphtheria outbreak in the region.