Definition

A type of tuberculosis that mainly affects the lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, and is often seen in children. It can be spread through unpasteurized milk from infected cows.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the child with scrofula after examining the swollen lymph nodes in his neck.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of scrofula?

Yeah, I think it's that illness that affects the lymph nodes, right?

Exactly! I read that it's more common in kids and can be spread by unpasteurized milk.

That's pretty alarming. We should be careful about what we consume.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scrofula originates from Latin 'scrofula', meaning a little pig or a scrofulous disease, which is derived from 'scrofa' (meaning sow or female pig). The term was historically used to describe a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes, often associated with the idea of being 'piggish' or dirty in appearance.

Memory Tip

Imagine a little pig ('scrofa') to remember that 'scrofula' refers to a disease that can make someone appear unwell or dirty, much like the association with pigs.

Visually Confused Words