Scrofula: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrofula

 

[ หˆskrษ™-fษ™-lษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Scrofula, also known as lymphadenitis, refers to a specific form of tuberculosis that primarily affects the lymph nodes, particularly those in the neck. Historically, it was often associated with the 'King's Evil,' where individuals believed that royal touch could cure the disease. This condition presents as swollen lymph nodes, which may be painful and could lead to abscess formation. Scrofula is generally seen in individuals with weakened immune systems and can occur as a result of mycobacterial infection. Its treatment typically involves antibiotics and addressing the underlying tuberculosis infection.

Synonyms

lymphadenitis, tuberculous lymphadenitis

Examples of usage

  • He was diagnosed with scrofula due to the swollen glands.
  • The physician explained the symptoms of scrofula to the student.
  • Historical texts often mention scrofula as a common ailment.
  • Scrofula can sometimes be misdiagnosed as another condition.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrofula" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escrรณfula

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเค•เฅเคฐเฅ‹เคซเฅเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Scrofula

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ scrofula

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะบั€ะพั„ัƒะปะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ skrofula

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒณใƒ‘่…บ็—‡

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท scrofule

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ escrรณfula

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท skrofula

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฒฐํ•ต์„ฑ ๋ฆผํ”„์ ˆ์—ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุฏุฑู† ุงู„ุบุฏูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skrofula

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ skrofula

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆท‹ๅทด่…บ็ป“ๆ ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ skrofula

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skrofula

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะบั€ะพั„ัƒะปะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ™แƒ แƒแƒคแƒฃแƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skrofula

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ escrรณfula

Etymology

The term 'scrofula' comes from the Latin word 'scrofula', meaning 'little pig', which is derived from 'scrofa', meaning 'sow'. This nomenclature was given due to the resemblance of the swollen lymph nodes to the way a pig's neck often appears. The condition has been recognized since ancient times, with references in medical texts dating back to the Middle Ages when it was commonly associated with the hereditary system of diseases. In Europe, scrofula was historically linked to royal individuals, as monarchs were thought to have the divine ability to heal those afflicted by the condition through their touch. As a result, scrofula became known as the 'King's Evil'. The associational practices surrounding scrofula significantly declined with the development of modern medicine and a better understanding of tuberculosis and its treatments. Today, scrofula is understood as a manifestation of underlying tuberculosis, and with advancements in medical science, it is often treated effectively with antibiotics.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,552, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.