Elephantiasis
/ˌɛlɪfənˈtaɪəsɪs/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A complication of chronic filariasis, in which nematode worms block the lymphatic vessels, usually in the legs or scrotum, causing extreme enlargement of the infected area. uncountable, usually
- 2 hypertrophy of certain body parts (usually legs and scrotum); the end state of the disease filariasis wordnet
- 3 Synonym of leprosy. obsolete, uncountable, usually
Example
More examples"In the quiet of a courtyard in the northern Nigerian city of Jos, a dozen people sit in a circle on white plastic chairs, talking about their affliction: lymphatic filariasis, an infectious disease also known as elephantiasis."
Etymology
From Latin elephantiasis or directly from Ancient Greek ἐλεφᾰντῐ́ᾱσῐς (elephăntĭ́āsĭs).