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Rhinorrhea: meaning, definitions and examples

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rhinorrhea

 

[ raɪˈnɔːrɪə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Rhinorrhea refers to the condition of having a runny nose, characterized by the excessive flow of mucus from the nasal cavity. It is often associated with allergies, infections, or other respiratory conditions. Rhinorrhea can cause discomfort and is commonly seen in colds or sinusitis.

Synonyms

mucus flow, nasal discharge, runny nose

Examples of usage

  • She visited the doctor due to persistent rhinorrhea.
  • Rhinorrhea is a common symptom during the allergy season.
  • The patient experienced rhinorrhea alongside a sore throat.
  • He had rhinorrhea after catching a cold last week.

Etymology

The term 'rhinorrhea' originates from the Greek words 'rhin', meaning 'nose', and 'rhea', meaning 'flow' or 'discharge'. This medical term has been in use since the early 20th century, signifying a condition where there is excessive mucus accumulation in the nose. The concept of nasal discharge has been recognized in medical texts for centuries, with the understanding of rhinorrhea evolving alongside advancements in the study of respiratory diseases and allergies. As allergies and viral infections became more understood, the term 'rhinorrhea' gained prominence in medical dictionaries and literature to accurately describe this common, yet often bothersome condition.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,530, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.