tuberculosis
2 synonyms for tuberculosis, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A serious infectious disease, usually affecting the lungs, caused by a bacterium and marked by coughing, fever, and weight loss.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use tuberculosis
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tuberculosis diagnosis
strain of tuberculosis
pulmonary 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'...
Full origin of tuberculosis →Frequently asked questions
What does “tuberculosis” mean?
The word “tuberculosis” means a serious infectious disease, usually affecting the lungs, caused by a bacterium and marked by coughing, fever, and weight loss. In plain terms, a serious lung infection, often shortened to "TB.".
How do you pronounce “tuberculosis”?
“Tuberculosis” is pronounced choo-burk-yuu-LOH-sihs (/tuˌbɝkjʊˈloʊsɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “tuberculosis” in a sentence?
Here is “tuberculosis” used in a sentence: “Tuberculosis was once one of the leading causes of death before effective antibiotics were developed.”
What part of speech is “tuberculosis”?
“Tuberculosis” is a noun.
Where does the word “tuberculosis” come from?
The word “tuberculosis” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Latin.
Is “tuberculosis” a common word?
“Tuberculosis” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between tuberculosis and pneumonia?
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease caused by a specific bacterium and marked by coughing, fever, and weight loss, often developing slowly over weeks or months. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by many different bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it typically develops more quickly.
What are the main symptoms of tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is marked by a persistent cough, fever, and unexplained weight loss, since the disease usually affects the lungs. These symptoms often develop gradually rather than appearing suddenly.
Is tuberculosis contagious?
Yes, tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, meaning it can spread from person to person, most commonly through the respiratory system. This is why it is classified as a serious infectious illness rather than a purely inherited or environmental condition.
