Definition

The sudden return of a disease or its symptoms after a time when it seemed to improve or go away.

Example

After several months of feeling better, she experienced a recrudescence of her illness.

Conversation

Have you heard about the recrudescence of that flu outbreak in town?

Yeah, I read about it; it seems like it’s spreading again.

I thought we were finally done with it after last winter.

Me too, but I guess we have to stay cautious for a while longer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Recrudescence is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "crudescere" (from Latin, meaning to grow raw or fresh). The word describes the process of a disease or condition returning or reappearing after a period of remission, essentially meaning to grow fresh again.

Memory Tip

Think of something returning or 'growing again' — 're-' means again, and 'crudescere' means to grow fresh.

Visually Confused Words