How Do You Spell DIPHTHERIA?

Pronunciation: [dɪfθˈi͡əɹɪə] (IPA)

Diphtheria is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The spelling of diphtheria may seem unusual but it reflects the Greek origins of the word. "Dipthera" means "leather" in Greek and "t" was added to the spelling to indicate its throat-related symptoms. The IPA phonetic transcription of "diphtheria" is /dɪfˈθɪəriə/ with emphasis on the second syllable. Proper pronunciation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Vaccination is available to minimize the risk of contracting diphtheria.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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DIPHTHERIA Meaning and Definition

  1. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection primarily caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a bacteria that affects the upper respiratory system. It is characterized by the formation of a thick, grayish coating or membrane on the tonsils, throat, and airways, which can obstruct breathing and cause severe complications if left untreated.

    The bacteria responsible for diphtheria releases toxins that attack the respiratory mucous membranes, leading to inflammation and the formation of the characteristic membrane. This membrane can hinder normal breathing and sometimes extend into the larynx and trachea, potentially causing life-threatening airway obstruction.

    Diphtheria can be transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person, often through coughing or sneezing. It predominantly affects children and individuals who haven't been properly immunized against the disease. Symptoms of diphtheria may include a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, difficulty swallowing, and a hoarse voice.

    Historically, diphtheria was a significant cause of mortality, particularly in children. However, the widespread use of vaccines, such as the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, has greatly reduced the incidence of the disease in many countries.

    Prompt and appropriate medical treatment involving antitoxins and antibiotics is crucial to combat diphtheria and prevent severe complications, such as heart damage, nerve paralysis, and death. Additionally, vaccination is paramount for preventing future infections and reducing the overall incidence of this potentially devastating disease.

  2. A specific infectious disease due to the Kleb-Loeffler bacillus, marked by inflammation, with formation of a fibrinous exudate, of the mucous membrane of the throat or nose, and by more or less pronounced symptoms of toxemia.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A disease characterised by the forming of a leathery membrane in the throat and fauces.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DIPHTHERIA *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DIPHTHERIA

Etymology of DIPHTHERIA

The word "diphtheria" comes from the Greek word "diphthera", which means "leather hide" or "membrane". This is derived from the Greek word "diphtherēs", meaning "leather maker", as the disease was believed to form a leathery membrane in the throat.

Similar spelling words for DIPHTHERIA

  • Diopter,
  • diphtheriae,
  • diphtheria{,
  • Diaphthora,
  • Swine-diphtheria.

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