rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydiphtheriaBacterial throat infection
noun

diphtheria

dif-THEER-ee-uh/dɪfˈθɪriə/

A serious bacterial infection that usually affects the throat and is preventable by vaccination.

The infected throat shows the thick membrane characteristic of diphtheria.

A single unlabeled anatomical cutaway of an infected throat, emphasizing the thick gray-white pseudomembrane coating the tonsils and pharynx and narrowing the upper airway.
Etymology
diphtheriaFrenchdiphtheria

French diphthérie was coined from Greek diphthera, “prepared hide, leather,” whose earlier origin is unknown. The leather image refers to the tough membrane that forms in the throat during the infection.

In context

OCM Health Matters1:49
Diphtheria is another serious disease that can be deadly. It often starts like a cold with a sore throat, mild fever, and chills. A thick gray coating forms on the back of the nose and throat.
Health Matters: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) - What You Need to Know

More examples

  • A thick coating in the throat can be a sign of diphtheria.
  • Doctors treat diphtheria with antitoxin and antibiotics.
  • People with diphtheria may need care in a hospital.

Forms

diphtheria