Diseases: meaning, definitions and examples

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diseases

 

[dษชหˆziหzษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

health

A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.

Synonyms

ailment, disorder, illness, sickness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
illness

General term for poor health, which could be temporary or chronic. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • He missed work due to illness
  • The hospital specializes in the treatment of chronic illness
sickness

Often refers to a temporary condition causing poor health, and can be used in casual conversations. It sometimes has a negative connotation when describing emotional or physical conditions.

  • She stayed home due to sickness
  • The sickness left him feeling weak and tired
ailment

Refers to a minor or non-life-threatening illness. Often used in casual conversations to describe everyday health issues.

  • She went to the doctor to treat a common ailment
  • A cold is a minor ailment that can be cured with rest
disorder

Refers to an abnormal physical or mental condition. It is often used in medical or psychological contexts and may indicate chronic or permanent issues.

  • She was diagnosed with a heart disorder
  • Anxiety is a common mental health disorder

Examples of usage

  • Prevention is better than cure when it comes to diseases.
  • Regular exercise can help prevent various diseases.
  • Vaccination is a key strategy in controlling infectious diseases.
  • Genetic diseases can be inherited from one's parents.
  • Many diseases can be managed effectively with proper medical treatment.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'disease' comes from Middle English 'disese', meaning 'lack of ease', first recorded in the 14th century.
  • Ancient Egyptians had extensive medical texts, describing various ailments and their treatments, showcasing early understanding of diseases.
  • The Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the 'father of medicine', linked diseases to environmental factors, lifestyle, and diet around 400 BC.

Science

  • Pathogens, like bacteria and viruses, are commonly responsible for infectious diseases, which can spread from person to person.
  • Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, often stem from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
  • The immune system plays a crucial role in fighting off diseases, helping to keep the body healthy by recognizing and attacking harmful invaders.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies, such as 'Contagion', portray the fear and impact of infectious diseases on society, highlighting our collective response to outbreaks.
  • Television shows often dramatize diseases through characters dealing with health issues, raising awareness about various medical conditions.
  • Video games like 'Plague Inc.' engage players in strategies to manage and control the spread of fictional diseases, blending entertainment and education.

Psychology

  • Mental health conditions, often termed psychological diseases, can affect thoughts, emotions, and behavior, impacting daily life.
  • Stress and anxiety are linked to physical diseases, as chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to illness.
  • Awareness of mental diseases is rising, leading to improved understanding and reduced stigma, especially in conversations about wellness.

Literature

  • Famous authors, such as Charles Dickens and Franz Kafka, have incorporated diseases into their storytelling, symbolizing societal issues.
  • In literature, diseases often become metaphors for broader human experiences, exploring themes of suffering, resilience, and mortality.
  • Works like 'The Plague' by Albert Camus delve into the philosophical implications of disease, offering insights into human nature during crises.

Translations

Translations of the word "diseases" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น doenรงas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเฅ‹เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Krankheiten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penyakit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั…ะฒะพั€ะพะฑะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ choroby

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็—…ๆฐ— (ใณใ‚‡ใ†ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท maladies

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ enfermedades

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hastalฤฑklar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์งˆ๋ณ‘ (์งˆ๋ณ‘๋“ค)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃู…ุฑุงุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nemoci

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ choroby

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็–พ็—… (jรญbรฌng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bolezni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sjรบkdรณmar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัƒั€ัƒะปะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒแƒ•แƒแƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ xษ™stษ™liklษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ enfermedades

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,053, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.