antiphthisical
|an-ti-phthi-si-cal|
/ˌæn.tɪfˈθɪzɪkəl/
against consumption
Etymology
'antiphthisical' originates from Greek elements 'anti-' and 'phthisis', where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'phthisis' meant 'consumption (pulmonary tuberculosis)'.
'antiphthisical' developed via Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms such as 'antiphthisicus' and via scientific usage in modern European languages (e.g. French 'antiphthisique') before entering English medical vocabulary in the 18th–19th centuries.
Initially it meant 'serving against phthisis (consumption)', and this original medical sense has been retained, though the term is now rare and chiefly historical or technical.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
preventing or treating phthisis (consumption, especially pulmonary tuberculosis); counteracting or protective against consumption.
In the 19th century, physicians prescribed antiphthisical remedies in attempts to combat consumption.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/07 02:20