Tubercular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
tubercular
[tสหbษหkjสlษr ]
Definitions
medical
relating to or affected with tuberculosis.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tubercular |
Used to describe something related to tuberculosis, often in a medical context.
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| consumptive |
An older term that was historically used to describe someone suffering from tuberculosis. It often carries a historical or literary connotation and can have a negative or antiquated feel.
|
| tuberculous |
Used to describe a person or thing affected by tuberculosis, typically in a medical or clinical context.
|
Examples of usage
- a tubercular patient
- symptoms of tubercular infection
literary
having a pale, wasted, and worn appearance, as from a disease or suffering.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tubercular |
As previously described, 'tubercular' refers specifically to tuberculosis. It's strictly a medical term.
|
| haggard |
'Haggard' describes someone who looks exhausted and worn out, often due to stress, lack of sleep, or sustained hardship. It carries a more general and sometimes metaphorical meaning compared to 'emaciated'.
|
| emaciated |
'Emaciated' is used to describe someone who is extremely thin, often due to severe lack of nutrition or prolonged illness. It can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts and often elicits a sense of sympathy or concern.
|
Examples of usage
- a tubercular face
- a tubercular poet
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Tuberculosis has been known since ancient times, with references found in Egyptian papyrus dating back to 3000 BC.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, the disease was often called 'consumption' due to the way it seemed to consume people's health over time.
- The sanatorium movement in the early 20th century reflected society's efforts to isolate and treat those suffering from this disease.
Science
- Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can impact other parts of the body.
- It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making close quarters a risk for spreading the disease.
- Modern treatments involve a long course of antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are a significant challenge for healthcare providers today.
Pop Culture
- Tuberculosis has been depicted in various works of literature as a romanticized illness, often representing suffering and fragility, such as in รmile Zola's 'Nana'.
- The disease's connection to artists has been romanticized, with many famous figures, including poet John Keats and composer Frederic Chopin, reported to have suffered from it.
- Films like 'The Elephant Man' also explore themes of illness and social isolation, often hinting at conditions like tuberculosis without naming them directly.
Psychology
- The stigma surrounding tuberculosis has influenced public perception, often associating it with poverty and lack of hygiene, leading to social isolation for sufferers.
- Historical treatments, which included isolation in sanatoriums, had psychological impacts, introducing feelings of loneliness and despair for many patients.
- Research shows that the fear of tuberculosis in certain communities can lead to increased anxiety and can affect overall mental health.
Origin of 'tubercular'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'tuberculum', meaning 'small swelling', which reflects the lumps caused by the disease.
- Originally used in the 19th century to describe diseases that form small bumps or nodules, 'tubercular' underwent evolution in its usage across medical texts.
- The word's prefix 'tuber-' indicates something that is swollen or lump-like, which connects to how the bacteria can affect tissues.
The term 'tubercular' originated from the Latin word 'tuberculum' meaning 'a small swelling or protuberance'. The use of the word in relation to tuberculosis dates back to the 19th century when the disease was prevalent and often fatal. Over time, the term also came to be used figuratively to describe a pale and wasted appearance, as seen in literary works.