: inflammation of a mucous membrane
especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages

Word History

Etymology

Middle English catarre, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French catarrhe, from Late Latin catarrhus, from Greek katarrhous, from katarrhein to flow down, from kata- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catarrh was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near catarrh

Cite this Entry

“Catarrh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catarrh. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

: inflammation of a mucous membrane
especially : inflammation of the human nose and air passages that lasts a long time

Medical Definition

: inflammation of a mucous membrane in humans or animals
especially : one chronically affecting the human nose and air passages

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