How Do You Spell PHTHISIC?

Pronunciation: [fθˈɪzɪk] (IPA)

Phthisic is a term that refers to a wasting or debilitating disease, such as tuberculosis. The spelling of "phthisic" can be difficult due to the combination of consonant sounds at the beginning of the word. It is pronounced as /ˈθɪzɪk/ (THI-zik) with a voiced "TH" sound, followed by a "Z" sound and ending with a hard "K" sound. Remembering this IPA phonetic transcription can help in correctly spelling and pronouncing this uncommon word.

PHTHISIC Meaning and Definition

1. Phthisic is an adjective that refers to a person affected by a specific medical condition known as phthisis. It is a dated term that was commonly used in the past but is now considered archaic and seldom used in modern medical literature. Phthisis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs.

   When describing a person as phthisic, it signifies that they suffer from the symptoms and physical features associated with tuberculosis. These include persistent coughing, particularly with bloody or frothy sputum, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and a general decline in health. Phthisis usually progresses slowly, and without proper treatment, it can cause severe damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to death.

   The term phthisic can also be used figuratively to describe someone who appears thin, weakened, or frail, even without having tuberculosis. This usage reflects the historical perception that consumption (another name for tuberculosis) was associated with emaciation and a decline in overall health.

   However, due to advancements in medicine and the decline in tuberculosis cases in most parts of the world, the term phthisic is now primarily found in older literature or historical contexts when discussing the symptoms or effects of tuberculosis on individuals.

2. 1. Phthisis. 2. Asthma. 3. Relating to phthisis. 4. A sufferer from phthisis, or from asthma.

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

3. A wasting away; a person affected with phthisis.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PHTHISIC

• -hthisic

Etymology of PHTHISIC

The word "phthisic" originates from the Greek term "phthisis", meaning "wasting away" or "consumption". This term was used in ancient Greece to refer to a disease characterized by the gradual decline of bodily health and strength, often associated with the wasting away of the lungs. In the English language, "phthisic" was initially adopted to describe a specific type of lung disease or tuberculosis. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the general notion of being weak, emaciated, or suffering from any chronic wasting disease.