alcoholism

/ˈælkə(ˌ)hɔˌlɪzəm/

alcoholism

English Noun Top 22,545
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Definition

A chronic disease caused by compulsive and uncontrollable consumption of alcoholic beverages, leading to addiction and deterioration in health and social functioning.

Etymology

From alcohol + -ism. Derived from New Latin alcoholismus chronicus, coined by the Swedish professor of medicine Magnus Huss in 1849.

Example Sentences

  • "chronic alcoholism"
  • "struggle with alcoholism"
  • "effects of alcoholism"
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