tabes

noun

ta·​bes ˈtā-(ˌ)bēz How to pronounce tabes (audio)
plural tabes
: wasting accompanying a chronic disease
tabetic adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

Latin, wasting disease, decay, from tabēre to decay — more at thaw

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tabes was in 1651

Cite this Entry

“Tabes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tabes. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

tabes

noun
ta·​bes ˈtā-(ˌ)bēz How to pronounce tabes (audio)
plural tabes
1
: wasting accompanying a chronic disease
2
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