trachoma

noun

tra·​cho·​ma trə-ˈkō-mə How to pronounce trachoma (audio)
: a chronic contagious bacterial conjunctivitis marked by inflammatory granulations on the conjunctival surfaces, caused by a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), and commonly resulting in blindness if left untreated

Examples of trachoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other public health scientists probed this idea further by conducting mass antibiotic distribution trials in places where trachoma wasn’t found. Jess Craig, Vox, 5 Dec. 2024 In communities where trachoma is still a problem, the disease prevalence is high, ranging from 60 to 90 percent. Jess Craig, Vox, 5 Dec. 2024 Merck and Pfizer have made important drug donations to tackle diseases such as onchocerciasis and trachoma. Sonia Shah, Foreign Affairs, 9 Nov. 2011 There, she was told about how limited access to clean water and sanitation can lead to trachoma, and some of the work being undertaken to screen and treat those with the condition at a primary eye care clinic. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 12 Oct. 2023 Nicholle was a master researcher of infectious diseases and made many discoveries regarding the pathology and epidemiology of brucellosis, leishmaniasis, measles, rinderpest, scarlet fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, trachoma and tuberculosis. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2012 Vanuatu is the first Pacific Island country free from trachoma. Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Nov. 2022 The communal environment of boarding schools spread tuberculosis and trachoma, an eye disease. Brenda J. Child, Star Tribune, 29 July 2021 Both are on track to be certified as having eliminated trachoma by the World Health Organisation. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, 29 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek trachōma, from trachys rough

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trachoma was circa 1693

Dictionary Entries Near trachoma

Cite this Entry

“Trachoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trachoma. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

trachoma

noun
tra·​cho·​ma trə-ˈkō-mə How to pronounce trachoma (audio)
: a serious contagious eye disease that is marked by swelling of the conjunctiva, is caused by a bacterium, and often results in blindness if left untreated

Medical Definition

trachoma

noun
tra·​cho·​ma trə-ˈkō-mə How to pronounce trachoma (audio)
: a chronic contagious conjunctivitis marked by inflammatory granulations on the conjunctival surfaces, caused by a bacterium of the genus Chlamydia (C. trachomatis), and commonly resulting in blindness if left untreated
trachomatous adjective

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