catarrh

noun

ca·tarrh kə-ˈtär

: inflammation of a mucous membrane

especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages

catarrhal

kə-ˈtär-əl

adjective

catarrhally

kə-ˈtär-ə-lē

adverb

Word History

Etymology

Middle English catarre, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French catarrhe, from Late Latin catarrhus, from Greek katarrhous, from katarrhein to flow down, from kata- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of catarrh was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Catarrh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catarrh. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

catarrh

noun

ca·tarrh kə-ˈtär

: inflammation of a mucous membrane

especially : inflammation of the human nose and air passages that lasts a long time

catarrhal

-ˈtär-əl

adjective

Medical Definition

catarrh

noun

ca·tarrh kə-ˈtär

: inflammation of a mucous membrane in humans or animals

especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages

catarrhal

-əl

adjective

catarrhally

-ə-lē

adverb

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catarrh

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near catarrh

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition