toxoplasmosis

noun

toxo·​plas·​mo·​sis ˌtäk-sə-ˌplaz-ˈmō-səs 

plural toxoplasmoses ˌtäk-sə-ˌplaz-ˈmō-ˌsēz 

: infection of humans, other mammals, or birds with disease caused by a toxoplasma (Toxoplasma gondii) that invades the tissues and may seriously damage the central nervous system especially of infants

Examples of toxoplasmosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Listeria are bacteria that can contaminate foods like deli meats, and toxoplasmosis is an infection triggered by a parasite and is a top cause of foodborne illness. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 22 Oct. 2024

Such mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy is called congenital toxoplasmosis. —Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 10 July 2024

Congenital toxoplasmosis may be more common than believed Some have argued that congenital toxoplasmosis is too rare to warrant prenatal testing. —Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 10 July 2024

The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis may also be underestimated. —Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

toxoplasmosis

noun

toxo·​plas·​mo·​sis -ˌplaz-ˈmō-səs 

plural toxoplasmoses -ˌsēz 

: infection with or disease caused by a sporozoan of the genus Toxoplasma (T. gondii) that invades the tissues and may seriously damage the central nervous system especially of infants