tuberculosis

Etymology

Coined in the 1800s from Latin tuberculum ("small swelling") plus -osis ("diseased condition"), because the infection produces small lump-like nodules, or tubercles, in the lungs. For centuries before this scientific name existed, English simply called the disease "consumption," since it seemed to consume the sufferer's body away.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1800

Class of 1800

tuberculosis first entered the language around 1800. Other words from the same year: