diphtheria
/dɪfˈθɪriə/
noun
- A serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, causing a thick gray coating that can make breathing difficult.
- Travelers to some countries are advised to get a diphtheria booster shot.
- Before vaccines, diphtheria was a common cause of death in children.
- The doctor diagnosed the child with diphtheria after seeing the gray membrane in her throat.