leprosy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves; Hansen's disease

   Modern multidrug therapy can cure leprosy and prevent most long-term disability when treatment begins early.

2. 2
   noun

   figurative and often stigmatizing: something viewed as corrupting, repellent, or liable to spread

   The writer described bribery as a leprosy that had spread through the administration.

From Norman and Middle French leprosie, ultimately from Greek lepra ('a scaly skin disease'), from lepros ('scaly'). Historical uses covered several skin conditions; the modern medical term refers specifically to Hansen's disease.

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