French word

diphtérie

Pronunciation

IPA/difteʁi/

Meaning

  • feminine noundiphtheria

Example

Elle a été vaccinée contre la diphtérie.

She was vaccinated against diphtheria.

Illustration for diphtérie (diphtheria)

More examples

Après la maladie, il a gardé des séquelles de diphtérie.

After the illness, he had lasting effects from diphtheria.

Core concept

A bacterial throat disease in which a leathery false membrane can make breathing difficult.

Common phrases

  • vaccination contre la diphtérie

    vaccination against diphtheria

  • se faire vacciner contre la diphtérie

    get a diphtheria vaccination

Similar words

angine: A painful throat infection causing redness and swelling in the throat or tonsils.
coqueluche: An infection causing severe coughing fits that may lead to breathlessness or vomiting.
tétanos: An illness caused by toxins from bacteria entering through a wound, causing muscle stiffness.
rougeole: An infection causing high fever and a widespread red rash.

Definition in French

Infection causée par la bactérie Corynebacterium diphtheriae, provoquant une fausse membrane dans la gorge qui peut gêner la respiration.

Word origin

Diphtérie is formed from the Greek medical root diphthera, leather or skin, through the later Latin term diphtheria.

Usage tips

  • In vaccination contexts, French uses se faire vacciner contre la diphtérie, with contre for protection against the disease.

Word lists with this word