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Tuberculosis
UK //tjuːˈbɜːkjʊləsɪs//US //tjuːˈbɜrkjuˌloʊsɪs//
Definition
An infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
In simple words: A serious disease that affects the lungs.
Examples
- Tuberculosis is often spread through the air when an infected person coughs.
- There has been a recent increase in tuberculosis cases in urban areas.
- The early symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough and weight loss.
- Health organizations are working hard to reduce tuberculosis rates worldwide.
- Tuberculosis can be treated effectively with a course of antibiotics.
Usage notes
Use in formal contexts, particularly in medical or public health discussions. Avoid casual conversation unless discussing health issues.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Remember 'tuber' like a potato, and 'culosis' sounds like a bad cold.
Collocations
- tuberculosis vaccine
- tuberculosis test
- latent tuberculosis
- multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
- pulmonary tuberculosis
Synonyms
- consumption
- TB
- phthisis
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'tuberculous', which describes something as related to tuberculosis.
- Incorrectly spelled as 'tuburculosis'.
- Often mispronounced, particularly the 'culosis' part.