scrofulous
|scro-ful-ous|
🇺🇸
/ˈskroʊfjʊləs/
🇬🇧
/ˈskrəʊfjʊləs/
affected by scrofula; diseased or squalid
Etymology
'scrofulous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'scrofula' (a disease of the glands), via Old French 'escrofulle'.
'scrofula' (Latin) passed into Old French as 'escrofulle' and then into Middle English, eventually giving rise to the adjective 'scrofulous' in modern English.
Initially it meant 'affected with scrofula (a glandular disease)'; over time it also acquired a figurative sense of 'sordid' or 'morally corrupt.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or affected by scrofula (a disease of the lymph glands, especially the neck).
The physician noted the patient's scrofulous swelling of the neck nodes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/21 09:39