‖ phthisis Path.
(ˈθaɪsɪs, ˈfθɪsɪs)
Also 6 ptisys, -is, 7–8 pthisis, 8 phthysis.
[L. (Celsus), a. Gr. ϕθίσις wasting, consumption, f. ϕθίνειν (root ϕθι-) to decay, waste away. In mod. F. phthisie.]
A progressive wasting disease; spec. pulmonary consumption: see quot. 1873
| [1525 tr. Brunswyke's Surg. L iij b/2 Dothe the parsone falle in ptisym and to outdryeng of the naturall moystnes. 1527 Andrew Brunswyke's Distyll. Waters D j. Ptisim, that is a brethe comynge of the longues.] 1543 Traheron Vigo's Chirurg. (1586) 448 Phthisis, in greke signifieth wasting..a consumption as we call it. 1616 Surfl. & Markh. Country Farme 728 Another kind of disease with which birds are troubled, is called the subtle disease, Pthisis. 1793 Beddoes Consumption 130 The inconsiderable number of sailors who die of phthisis. 1873 T. H. Green Introd. Pathol. (ed. 2) 300 By pulmonary phthisis is understood a disease of the lungs which is characterized by progressive consolidation of the pulmonary texture, and by the subsequent softening and disintegration of the consolidated tissue. |
| attrib. 1898 Allbutt's Syst. Med. V. 157 In several towns the phthisis death-rate had undergone a notable decrease since the introduction of an improved system of sewerage. 1901 Westm. Gaz. 6 Aug. 2/1 A number of phthisis patients. |
b. With defining word, applied to tuberculosis of various organs.
| 1846 G. E. Day tr. Simon's Anim. Chem. II. 92, I made an analysis of pus which was discharged with the urine in [a case of] phthisis vesicæ. 1893 Syd. Soc. Lex., Abdominal Phthisis..1. Intestinal tuberculosis..2. Peritoneal tuberculosis. Ibid., Dust Phthisis, a variety of fibroid phthisis set up by..dust..in certain industries. |
c. fig.| 1881 J. Martineau Ess., etc. (1891) IV. 302 The delirium of passion, the grasp of cupidity, the phthisis of romance. |