SCROFULOUSNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Scrofulousness is a noun derived from the adjective "scrofulous." It refers to a pathological condition characterized by an overall state of poor health, weakness, and the presence of scrofulous symptoms. The term originates from scrofula, which is a contagious disease affecting the lymph nodes, typically situated in the neck region. Scrofulousness encompasses the broader symptoms and manifestations associated with scrofula.
This condition is characterized by a variety of signs including enlarged, palpable, and tender lymph nodes, particularly in the neck area, which often result in the appearance of unsightly abscesses or ulcers. Scrofulousness may not only present these external symptoms but also involve systemic effects, such as general malaise, chronic fatigue, recurrent infections, and slow healing.
Historically, scrofulousness was considered a manifestation of a weakened immune system and was attributed to the presence of underlying infectious diseases like tuberculosis. However, with advancements in medical understanding, scrofulousness is now recognized as a broader condition encompassing various chronic immune deficiencies or disorders affecting lymphatic function.
In contemporary usage, scrofulousness is encountered less frequently due to improved hygiene, living conditions, and effective medical treatments. However, the term continues to be used metaphorically to describe a person's overall state of poor health, weakness, or moral debasement. It signifies a figurative sense of being infected with negative or undesirable qualities, similar to the way scrofula was viewed as an infectious disease in the past.
Common Misspellings for SCROFULOUSNESS
- acrofulousness
- zcrofulousness
- xcrofulousness
- dcrofulousness
- ecrofulousness
- wcrofulousness
- sxrofulousness
- svrofulousness
- sfrofulousness
- sdrofulousness
- sceofulousness
- scdofulousness
- scfofulousness
- sctofulousness
- sc5ofulousness
- sc4ofulousness
- scrifulousness
- scrkfulousness
- scrlfulousness
- scrpfulousness
Etymology of SCROFULOUSNESS
The word "scrofulousness" is derived from the adjective "scrofulous". The root comes from the Latin word "scrofula", which means "swollen glands" or "tuberculosis of the lymph nodes". This Latin term itself is a diminutive form of "scrofa", which means "sow" in Latin. The connection is believed to have been made due to the appearance of the swollen lymph nodes, which resemble the teats of a sow.
The word "scrofulous" started being used in English in the late 16th century to describe a condition marked by swollen, pus-filled lymph nodes, typically associated with tuberculosis. Over time, it came to refer to a general state of being unhealthy or having poor physical constitution. From this adjective, the noun form "scrofulousness" was created to describe the quality or state of being scrofulous.
