scrofula

Meaning

A form of tuberculosis, most common in women 30-40 years of age, tending to cause enlarged and degenerated lymph nodes, especially in the neck, and often chronic, intractable skin inflammation as well.

Synonyms

king’s evil

cutaneous eruption

lymphoid tuberculosis

tuberculous lymphadenitis

tuberculosis of lymph node

Hyphenated as
scro‧fu‧la
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈskɹɒfjʊlə/
Etymology

Borrowed from Latin scrōfulae, a diminutive form of scrōfa (“breeding sow”), because swine were supposed to be subject to the complaint; or by fanciful comparison of the glandular swellings to little pigs.

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