leprosy
/ˈlɛprəsi
/noun [mass noun]
1A contagious disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, causing discoloration and lumps on the skin and, in severe cases, disfigurement and deformities. Leprosy is now mainly confined to tropical Africa and Asia. Also called Hansen's disease.
- Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which is Gram-positive, non-motile, and acid-fast.
- Programmes to control leprosy, hepatitis and dengue fever are vividly shown.
- Both Danielssen and Boeck believed that leprosy was a hereditary disease.
2A state of corruption or decay.
Origin
Mid 16th century (superseding Middle English lepry): from leprous + -y3.
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