Definition

A medical condition characterized by severe swelling and thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, often affecting the legs and genitals, usually caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system due to parasitic infection.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with elephantiasis after experiencing extreme swelling in his legs.

Conversation

Did you hear about that rare disease called elephantiasis?

Yeah, I've read about it; it sounds really serious.

I can't imagine what it must be like to live with elephantiasis.

Definitely, it must be incredibly challenging for those affected.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Elephantiasis → It is formed from "elephas" (from Greek, meaning elephant) and "-iasis" (from Greek, meaning a pathological condition). The word describes a condition that causes extreme swelling, resembling the skin of an elephant.

Memory Tip

Imagine a condition that makes the skin swell to look like an 'elephant' — that's why 'elephantiasis' refers to this swelling.

Visually Confused Words