noun
catarrh
kuh-TAR/kəˈtɑːr/
A buildup of mucus in the nose or throat caused by inflammation.
The patient describes persistent catarrh clogging his nose and throat.
Etymology
The pieces give the image of a “flowing down.” This describes the discharge associated with a head cold, connecting the name with mucus in the nose or throat.
In context
What is clear is that he developed a case of catarrh right at the beginning of 1882 that reduced his ability to breathe properly.
More examples
- The examination notes inflammation accompanied by catarrh.
- Her cold leaves her troubled by catarrh.
- The old medical guide discusses remedies once used for catarrh.
Similar words
- congestion
- Blockage that need not specifically refer to accumulated mucus.
- mucus
- The substance itself rather than its inflammatory accumulation.