blastophthoria Path.
(blæstəʊfˈθɔːrɪə)
[mod.L., f. blasto- + Gr. ϕθορά destruction (ϕθείρειν to destroy): see -ia.]
The hypothetical degeneration of germ cells caused by chronic poisoning as from alcoholism or other diseases. Hence blastophˈthoric a., of or relating to blastophthoria.
| 1908 Index Medicus VI. Index 112/2 Blastophthoria. 1913 Stedman Med. Dict. (ed. 2) 114/2 Blastophthoria... Blastophthoric. 1914 Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. & Med. XIV. 14 The continued administration of small doses of lead produces a definite blastophthoric effect in male guinea pigs; and..the lead blastophthoria thus induced manifests itself [etc.]. 1938 Nature 16 July 107/2 Forel's contributions to the study of the alcohol problem were then considered under the headings of blastophthoria, alcoholism and the sexual question. |