antidiphtheric
|an-ti-diph-the-ric|
/ˌæn.ti.dɪfˈθɛr.ɪk/
against diphtheria
Etymology
'antidiphtheric' originates from Greek elements via Neo-Latin/English: specifically the prefix 'anti-' (Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'diphtheric', ultimately from Greek 'diphthera'.
'diphtheria' comes from Greek 'diphthera' (meaning 'leather' or 'hide') describing the leathery membrane; the English medical term 'diphtheria' was established in the 19th century, and 'antidiphtheric' was formed in English/Neo-Latin in the same period by adding 'anti-' to 'diphtheric' to denote an agent acting against diphtheria.
Initially, the formation meant 'against diphtheria' (i.e., acting to prevent or counter the disease), and over time it has retained this specialized medical meaning of 'preventing or treating diphtheria'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance (such as a serum or vaccine) that prevents or treats diphtheria; an agent used against diphtheria.
The doctor administered an antidiphtheric to the exposed child.
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Adjective 1
acting against or used to prevent or combat diphtheria; effective against diphtheria.
They developed an antidiphtheric serum to combat the outbreak.
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Last updated: 2025/08/30 20:35