Leprosy

/ˈlɛp.rə.si/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by skin lesions, nerve damage, and deformities.

Historically, leprosy was often met with fear and stigma due to its contagious nature.

A disease that affects the skin and nerves, leading to physical deformities; it is now curable with antibiotics.

Many people diagnosed with leprosy can lead normal lives once they receive proper treatment.

An outdated term that has been replaced by the term Hansen's disease, which is still commonly known as leprosy.

Efforts to rehabilitate individuals affected by leprosy have increased in recent years.

From Old French leprose, from Latin leprosus, meaning 'scaly, diseased.'

Leper colony

A community for individuals suffering from leprosy, historically isolated from society.

Leper's bell

A historical term referring to a bell used to signal the presence of a leper.

Hansen's disease

Another name for leprosy, named after Gerhard Armauer Hansen who discovered the bacterium.

Mycobacterium leprae

The bacterium that causes leprosy.

Used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is socially isolated or shunned.

He feels like a leper in his own community since the scandal.

An outdated term for someone who is avoided due to a social faux pas.

After that mistake, he became the leprosy of our friend group.