leptospirosis
[ lep-toh-spahy-roh-sis ]
/ ˌlɛp toʊ spaɪˈroʊ sɪs /
noun Pathology, Veterinary Pathology.
an infectious disease of humans and of horses, dogs, swine, and other animals, caused by the spirochete Leptospira interrogans and characterized by fever, muscle pain, and jaundice, and in severe cases involving the liver and kidney.
Origin of leptospirosis
From New Latin, dating back to 1925–30; see origin at
leptospira,
-osis
Words nearby leptospirosis
leptosomatic,
leptosome,
leptospermum,
leptospira,
leptospiral jaundice,
leptospirosis,
leptospiruria,
leptosporangiate,
leptotene,
leptotrichia,
leptotrombidium
British Dictionary definitions for leptospirosis
leptospirosis
/ (ˌlɛptəʊspaɪˈrəʊsɪs) /
noun
any of several infectious diseases caused by spirochaete bacteria of the genus Leptospira, transmitted to man by animals and characterized by jaundice, meningitis, and kidney failure
Also called: Weil's disease
Word Origin for leptospirosis
C20: from New Latin
Leptospira (
lepto- + Greek
speira coil +
-osis)
Medical definitions for leptospirosis
leptospirosis
[ lĕp′tō-spī-rō′sĭs ]
n.
Any of a group of infectious diseases that are caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, are characterized by jaundice and fever, and are transmitted to humans by contact with the urine of infected animals.