lepra

Definition

Synonym of leprosy.

Etymology

From Latin lepra (“psoriasis & similar skin diseases”), from Koine Greek λέπρα (lépra, “psoriasis & similar skin diseases”), from λεπρός (leprós, “scaly”), from either λεπίς (lepís, “scale”) or λέπος (lépos, “husk, scale”) + -ρος (-ros, suffix forming adjectives). The shift of sense from psoriasis to Hansen's disease occurred in large part from the use of λέπρα (lépra) to translate Hebrew צרעת (“tzaraath”) in the Septuagint and its subsequent use in the New Testament and Late Latin.

Example Sentences

• "Lepra is an endemic, chronic, malignant, constitutional disease, due to a specific bacillus."
• "Lepra and psoriasis are identical, though the two names are retained."
• "Lepra is frequently met with on the trunks, especially of young trees."