CONSUMPTIVES Meaning and
Definition
-
Consumptives is a noun that refers to individuals who suffer from an illness called tuberculosis (TB) or consumption. Derived from the Latin word "consumptus" meaning "wasted away," consumptives historically were diagnosed with a progressive and infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs.
This term became widely used during the 19th and early 20th centuries when tuberculosis was a prevalent and deadly condition. Consumptives frequently exhibited symptoms such as chronic cough, chest pain, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and bloody sputum. The disease could be transmitted through airborne droplets and often led to severe debilitation, causing affected individuals to physically waste away.
Due to the contagious nature of the disease and limited understanding of its causes and treatment, consumptives were often isolated in hospitals or sanatoriums to prevent the spread of infection. These facilities provided specialized care and implemented measures like rest, fresh air, and access to nutritious food, with the goal of arresting the progression of the disease or promoting recovery.
Advances in medical knowledge and the advent of antibiotics during the mid-20th century significantly reduced the prevalence and fatality rates of tuberculosis. Today, the term "consumptives" is considered archaic and is no longer widely employed. However, its usage in historical context remains insightful in understanding the impact of tuberculosis on individuals and societies in the past.
Top Common Misspellings for CONSUMPTIVES *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CONSUMPTIVES
- consumptivee
- xonsumptives
- vonsumptives
- fonsumptives
- donsumptives
- cinsumptives
- cknsumptives
- clnsumptives
- cpnsumptives
- c0nsumptives
- c9nsumptives
- cobsumptives
Etymology of CONSUMPTIVES
The word "consumptives" is derived from "consumptive", which originates from the Latin word "consumptivus". The Latin term is formed from the verb "consumere", meaning "to consume" or "to waste away". The suffix "-tivus" is added to create an adjective form, indicating a tendency or capability. Thus, "consumptivus" refers specifically to someone or something that tends to waste away or be consumed. In the context of "consumptives", it is primarily used to describe individuals suffering from tuberculosis or another pulmonary disease, which historically caused emaciation and a gradual decline in health.
Similar spelling words for CONSUMPTIVES
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
