dyscrasia

noun

dys·​cra·​sia dis-ˈkrā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dyscrasia (audio)
: an abnormal condition of the body and especially the blood

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discracie, discrasie "diseased condition due to disproportionate mixture of the humors," borrowed from Late Latin dyscrāsia, borrowed from Greek dyskrāsía, from dys- dys- + krâsis "mixing, blending, temperament" (from krā-, variant stem of keránnȳmi, kerannýnai "to mix, mingle, as wine with water, temper" + -sis -sis-) + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at crater entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dyscrasia was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dyscrasia

Cite this Entry

“Dyscrasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dyscrasia. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

dyscrasia

noun
dys·​cra·​sia dis-ˈkrā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce dyscrasia (audio)
: an abnormal condition of the body
especially : an imbalance of components of the blood
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!