[ dɪp'θɪərɪə , dɪf- ]
■ noun a serious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes and formation of a false membrane in the throat which hinders breathing and swallowing.
Derivatives
~l adjective
diphtheritic -θə'rɪtɪk adjective
diphtheroid adjective
Origin
C19: mod. L., from Fr. diphthérie , from Gk diphthera 'skin, hide'.