WHITE PLAGUE Meaning and
Definition
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White plague refers to a term used to describe a contagious disease that affects a large number of individuals, causing widespread illness and often leading to high mortality rates. The phrase "white plague" is typically used metaphorically to depict a disease that engulfs a community or society, spreading rapidly and causing significant harm.
Historically, the term "white plague" has been commonly associated with tuberculosis, a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Tuberculosis can cause severe coughing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, and eventually, if left untreated, result in death. The association with the word "white" in this context can be attributed to the pale appearance of individuals suffering from tuberculosis, as it affects the respiratory system and often causes a loss of color or paleness in the skin.
However, it is important to note that "white plague" can also be employed more broadly to describe any infectious disease that exhibits similar characteristics of rapid spread and high mortality rates. The term's usage extends beyond literal diseases, extending to metaphorical depictions of societal issues or concerns that proliferate and have detrimental effects on a community or population as a whole.
In conclusion, "white plague" primarily refers to a contagious disease, historically associated with tuberculosis, that spreads rapidly within a population and has a substantial impact on the affected individuals and society at large.
Common Misspellings for WHITE PLAGUE
- qhite plague
- ahite plague
- shite plague
- ehite plague
- 3hite plague
- 2hite plague
- wgite plague
- wbite plague
- wnite plague
- wjite plague
- wuite plague
- wyite plague
- whute plague
- whjte plague
- whkte plague
- whote plague
- wh9te plague
- wh8te plague
- whitde plague
- white plgue
Etymology of WHITE PLAGUE
The term "white plague" does not have a specific etymology as it can be used to refer to different things in various contexts. However, one common usage of "white plague" is to describe tuberculosis (TB) due to the appearance of paleness and weight loss in individuals affected by the disease. This usage likely developed because TB was often associated with a pale complexion and the loss of body mass.
In general, etymology refers to the origin and historical development of words. For example, the word "plague" originates from the Latin word "plaga", which means a "blow" or "strike". It initially referred to a sudden, severe, and overwhelming affliction or calamity. The term "white" in this context emphasizes the visible symptoms of the disease and is likely used to differentiate it from other types of plagues.
Similar spelling words for WHITE PLAGUE
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