leprosy
UK[ˈlɛprəsi]US[ˈlɛprəsi]
n
a chronic infectious disease that mainly affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, causing discolored patches and lumps and, in severe cases, disfigurement and deformities.
Morpheme Breakdown
lepr
osy
lepr
scaly
osy
noun suffix, state of
Etymology
the word 'leprosy' originates from the greek 'lépra', a noun derived from the adjective 'leprós', meaning 'scaly' or 'peeling'. this term was used to describe skin conditions characterized by flaking or scaling, a primary visible symptom of the disease. it entered late latin as 'lepra' and subsequently old french as 'lepre', before being adopted into middle english as 'lepree'. the modern english form 'leprosy' emerged in the 16th century, with the '-sy' suffix likely influenced by other disease names like 'poesy' (an archaic term for a disease), solidifying its meaning as the specific chronic infectious condition known today.
Analysis
Structure: lepr (scaly) + osy (noun suffix, state of)
lepr: from greek 'lepra', meaning 'scaly disease', from 'lepros' (scaly, peeling), from 'lepein' (to peel).
osy: a noun-forming suffix, often via latin '-osis', indicating a state, condition, or process, especially a diseased condition.
Examples
leprosy is now curable with multidrug therapy.
historically, people with leprosy were often ostracized from their communities.
early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the disabilities associated with leprosy.