falciparum malaria

noun

fal·​cip·​a·​rum malaria fal-ˈsi-pə-rəm- How to pronounce falciparum malaria (audio)
: extremely severe malaria caused by a sporozoan parasite (Plasmodium falciparum)

Examples of falciparum malaria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 1st–2nd century CE southern Italy. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Their microbial factory was able to produce artemisinic acid, which is only one chemical step away from artemisinin, the most efficient drug against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Luc Henry, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2014 Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmitted in hospital through heparin locks. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2014

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'falciparum malaria.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, specific epithet, from Latin falc-, falx + -parum, neuter of -parus -parous

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of falciparum malaria was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near falciparum malaria

Cite this Entry

“Falciparum malaria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falciparum%20malaria. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

falciparum malaria

noun
fal·​cip·​a·​rum malaria fal-ˈsip-ə-rəm- How to pronounce falciparum malaria (audio) fȯl- How to pronounce falciparum malaria (audio)
: severe malaria caused by a parasite of the genus Plasmodium (P. falciparum) and marked by irregular recurrence of paroxysms and usually prolonged or continuous fever

called also malignant malaria, malignant tertian malaria, subtertian malaria

compare vivax malaria

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