How Do You Spell CANTHARIDISM?

Pronunciation: [kˈanθɑːɹˌɪdɪzəm] (IPA)

Cantharidism is the poisoning caused by the ingestion of cantharidin, a toxic chemical produced by species of blister beetles. The spelling of the word can be broken down into IPA phonetic transcription as kænˈθæridɪzəm. It is commonly mistaken for "candidism" due to the similar spelling but different pronunciation. Cantharidism can cause severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney dysfunction. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if one suspects they have ingested or been exposed to cantharidin.

CANTHARIDISM Meaning and Definition

1. Cantharidism is a noun that refers to the condition or the result of being poisoned by cantharidin, a toxic substance found in certain species of beetles, particularly in the blister beetles belonging to the family Meloidae. This rare condition is characterized by the occurrence of symptoms caused by the ingestion, inhalation, or contact with cantharidin-containing beetles or their secretions.

   Symptoms of cantharidism typically manifest as severe irritation of the gastrointestinal system, resulting in intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The toxin can also affect the urinary system, leading to painful urination, blood in the urine (hematuria), and in severe cases, potentially causing kidney damage or failure.

   Cantharidism may also cause blistering and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, which appear as raised, reddened areas or severe burns. These skin lesions are often painful and may become filled with fluid or pus, resembling blisters or ulcers.

   The severity of cantharidism depends on the amount of cantharidin ingested or exposed to, and the individual's tolerance to the toxin. Treatment typically involves supportive measures to manage symptoms, such as pain relief, rehydration, and in more severe cases, medical intervention to address complications like renal dysfunction.

   Overall, cantharidism is a condition resulting from the poisoning of cantharidin-containing beetles, which can lead to various symptoms involving the gastrointestinal and urinary systems, as well as skin and mucous membrane irritation.

2. Poisoning by cantharis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CANTHARIDISM

• cantharidim
• xantharidism
• vantharidism
• fantharidism
• dantharidism
• czntharidism
• csntharidism
• cwntharidism
• cqntharidism
• cabtharidism
• camtharidism
• cajtharidism
• cahtharidism
• canrharidism
• canfharidism
• cangharidism
• canyharidism
• can6haridism
• can5haridism
• cantgaridism

Etymology of CANTHARIDISM

The word "cantharidism" is derived from the Latin term "cantharis", meaning "blister beetle", and the suffix "-ism", denoting a condition or state.

Cantharidism refers to the toxic effect of the substance called cantharidin, which is found in certain species of blister beetles. This substance is highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and has historically been used for various purposes, including as an aphrodisiac and in certain medicinal preparations.

Plural form of CANTHARIDISM is CANTHARIDISMS