Definition

A medical condition affecting the throat, mainly in young children, causing breathing problems and a harsh cough.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the child with croup after hearing the distinctive cough.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of croup?

Yeah, isn't it a condition that affects kids' breathing?

Exactly! It causes a really harsh cough and can be quite scary.

I can imagine. I hope I never have to deal with that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'croup' originates from Middle English 'croupe', which means the hindquarters or the back of a horse. It is derived from the Old French 'croupe', meaning the same, and is related to the Latin 'croupa', meaning the hindquarters. In medical terms, 'croup' refers to a condition affecting the respiratory system, often characterized by a barking cough, which metaphorically relates to the constriction of the throat area, similar to the hindquarters being constricted in a horse.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'croupe' referring to the back or hindquarters, and remember that 'croup' describes a condition that affects the throat area, much like how the hindquarters can be constricted.

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