Recrudesce: meaning, definitions and examples

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recrudesce

[ˌriːkruːˈdɛs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

medical condition

To recrudesce means to reemerge or return, especially in relation to a disease or a symptom that has recurred after a period of remission. This term is often used in medical contexts to describe the revival of an illness or the reappearance of symptoms that had previously resolved.

Synonyms

reappear, recur, relapse.

Examples of usage

His symptoms began to recrudesce after weeks of feeling well.
The doctor warned that the infection might recrudesce if not treated properly.
They monitored the patient closely to see if the illness would recrudesce.
The chronic condition may recrudesce under certain stressors.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'recrudescere', where 're-' means 'again' and 'crudescere' means 'to become raw'.
It has been used in English since the 17th century, often in medical contexts.
The Latin root relates to the concept of something becoming fresh or new again after being inactive.

Psychology

In psychology, recrudescence can refer to the return of symptoms in a mental health condition after a period of improvement.
Understanding this concept helps in recognizing that many emotional issues can resurface, requiring ongoing management.
The phenomenon of recrudesce in human emotions underscores the importance of consistent mental health support.

Medicine

In medical terms, recrudescence often relates to diseases that briefly improve before worsening again, like certain infections.
Doctors may monitor patients for recrudescence to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
The term is commonly used in discussions about chronic diseases that can unexpectedly return.

Pop Culture

In films and books, characters often experience recrudescence of old conflicts or traumas, leading to dramatic plot twists.
Songs sometimes reference the idea of past relationships resurging, reflecting emotional recrudescence.
This concept appears in many narratives, symbolizing the struggle between progress and past issues.

Nature

In nature, certain pests or weeds may recrudesce, returning to affect crops after seeming to have been eliminated.
The cycle of seasons can also show recrudescence, where certain plants or animals return after a dormant period.
Hibernating animals may represent this idea when they emerge back into activity as spring approaches.