Elephantiasis

usgb/ˌelɪfənˈtaɪəsɪs/
noun

A disease which causes parts of the body to swell to large sizes.

Elephantiasis is commonly caused by a parasitic worm infection in tropical regions.
Visual representation of "elephantiasis" - A disease which causes parts of the body to swell to large sizes.

Often appears as...

  • lymphatic elephantiasis
  • tropical elephantiasis
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "elephantiasis"
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Caused by Parasites

Most cases are due to parasitic infection; remember, it's not due to the animal elephant.

Illustration for Caused by Parasites
Travelers visiting endemic areas may risk contracting elephantiasis if bitten by infected mosquitoes.
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Medical Specificity

Use 'elephantiasis' to refer to severe lymphatic swelling, distinct from ordinary swelling or edema.

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After years of untreated infection, he developed elephantiasis, not just simple swelling.
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Severity and Size

Understand that the term implies an extreme increase in size and usually indicates a serious condition.

Illustration for Severity and Size
The disease progressed to the point of elephantiasis, with her leg becoming massively enlarged.
Visual representation of the word "Elephantiasis"

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