Elephantiasis

Pronunciation: /ˌɛlɪfənˈtaɪəsɪs/

Definitions of elephantiasis

noun a disease characterized by the gross enlargement of an area of the body, especially the limbs, caused by obstruction of the lymphatic vessels

Example Sentences

A1 Elephantiasis is a disease that causes severe swelling in the arms and legs.

A2 People in tropical regions are at risk of contracting elephantiasis from mosquito bites.

B1 Treatment for elephantiasis usually involves medication to reduce swelling and prevent infection.

B2 Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases of elephantiasis to remove excess tissue.

C1 Research is ongoing to develop new therapies for elephantiasis that are more effective and less invasive.

C2 Public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about the causes and prevention of elephantiasis in at-risk communities.

Examples of elephantiasis in a Sentence

formal Elephantiasis is a condition characterized by the enlargement and hardening of limbs due to obstruction of the lymphatic vessels.

informal I heard that elephantiasis can cause severe swelling in certain parts of the body.

slang Man, that disease that makes your limbs look like an elephant's is no joke.

figurative The corruption in the government had spread like a form of elephantiasis, affecting every aspect of society.

Grammatical Forms of elephantiasis

• plural: elephantiases
• comparative: more elephantiasis
• superlative: most elephantiasis
• present tense: elephantiasis
• future tense: will have elephantiasis
• perfect tense: has had elephantiasis
• continuous tense: is experiencing elephantiasis
• singular: elephantiasis
• positive degree: elephantiasis
• infinitive: to have elephantiasis
• gerund: experiencing elephantiasis
• participle: experienced elephantiasis

Origin and Evolution of elephantiasis

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'elephantiasis' originates from the Greek word 'elephantiasis' meaning 'disease of elephants'. It was believed that the swollen limbs of individuals with the condition resembled the legs of an elephant.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'elephantiasis' came to be used specifically to refer to a condition caused by the parasitic worm infection, leading to severe swelling and thickening of the skin. The word has evolved to be associated with this medical condition rather than with elephants.