a complication of chronic filariasis, in which nematode worms block the lymphatic vessels, usually in the legs or scrotum, causing extreme enlargement of the affected area
See also filariasis
Derived forms
elephantiasic (ˌɛlɪˌfæntɪˈæsɪk, ˌɛlɪfənˈtaɪəsɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C16: via Latin from Greek, from elephaselephant + -iasis
elephantiasis in American English
(ˌɛləfənˈtaɪəsɪs)
noun
a chronic disease characterized by the enlargement of certain parts of the body,esp. the legs and genitals, and by the hardening and ulceration of the surrounding skin: it is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, often due to infestation by filarial worms
Word origin
L < Gr elephantiasis < elephas, elephant: from resemblance of the skin to the elephant's hide + -asis
Examples of 'elephantiasis' in a sentence
elephantiasis
You don't have to notice the new grey hair on your best friend's head; or the growing elephantiasis of your grandfather's leg.