catarrh

noun

ca·​tarrh kə-ˈtär How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
: inflammation of a mucous membrane
especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages
catarrhal
kə-ˈtär-əl How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
adjective
catarrhally
kə-ˈtär-ə-lē How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
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

Dictionary Entries Near catarrh

catarinite

catarrh

catarrhal jaundice

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Catarrh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catarrh. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

catarrh

noun
ca·​tarrh kə-ˈtär How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
: inflammation of a mucous membrane
especially : inflammation of the human nose and air passages that lasts a long time
catarrhal
-ˈtär-əl How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

catarrh

noun
ca·​tarrh kə-ˈtär How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
: inflammation of a mucous membrane in humans or animals
especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages
catarrhal
-əl How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
adjective
catarrhally
-ə-lē How to pronounce catarrh (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on catarrh

Nglish: Translation of catarrh for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of catarrh for Arabic Speakers

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