diphtheria
nounfemininetécnico/difˈtɛɾjɐ/low
dif·te·ri·a
Definition
An acute, contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*, which causes the formation of a thick membrane in the throat and can lead to heart and neurological complications.
Diphtheria was once a major cause of childhood death.
The DTP vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Common collocations
diphtheria vaccinediphtheria symptomsdiphtheria outbreak
Etymology
Do grego 'diphthería' (membrana, pele).