DIPHTHERIA Diph*the"ri*a, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. membrane): cf. depsere to knead.] (Med.)
Defn: A very dangerous contagious disease in which the air passages, and especially the throat, become coated with a false membrane, produced by the solidification of an inflammatory exudation. Cf. Group.
DIPHTHERIAL; DIPHTHERIC
Diph*the"ri*al, Diph*ther"ic, a.
Defn: Relating to diphtheria; diphtheritic.
DIPHTHERITIC
Diph`the*rit"ic, a. (Med.)
1. Pertaining to, or connected with, diphtheria.
2. Having characteristics resembling those of diphtheria; as, diphtheritic inflammation of the bladder.
DIPHTHONG Diph"thong (; 115, 277), n. Etym: [L. diphthongus, Gr. diphthongue.] (Orthoëpy) (a) A coalition or union of two vowel sounds pronounced in one syllable; as, ou in out, oi in noise; — called a proper diphthong. (b) A vowel digraph; a union of two vowels in the same syllable, only one of them being sounded; as, ai in rain, eo in people; — called an improper diphthong.
DIPHTHONG
Diph"thong, v. t.
Defn: To form or pronounce as a diphthong; diphthongize. [R.]