Definition

A disease caused by tiny organisms called amoebas, particularly one known as Entamoeba histolytica, which can infect the intestines and cause various health problems.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with amebiasis after reviewing her symptoms.

Conversation

I heard that there’s an outbreak of amebiasis in some areas.

Really? That sounds serious. What is it exactly?

It's an infection caused by amoebas, and it can be pretty nasty.

Yikes! I hope it doesn’t spread too much.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Amebiasis → It is formed from "ameba" (from Greek "amoibē", meaning change or alteration) and "-iasis" (from Greek "iasis", meaning a pathological condition). The word refers to a pathological condition caused by the ameba, specifically an infection by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ameba' meaning change, as the ameba causes a change in health, leading to the condition known as amebiasis.

Visually Confused Words