First Known Use: 1883
Dictionary
kala–azar
noun ka·la–azar \ˌkä-lə-ə-ˈzär, ˌka-\
Definition of KALA-AZAR
: a severe parasitic disease chiefly of tropical areas that is marked by fever, progressive anemia, leukopenia, and enlargement of the spleen and liver and caused by a leishmania (Leishmania donovani) transmitted by the bite of sand flies
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of KALA-AZAR
Hindi & Urdu kālā-āzār, literally, black disease
Medical Dictionary
kala–azar
noun \ˌkäl-ə-ə-ˌzär, ˌkal-\
Medical Definition of KALA–AZAR
: a severe parasitic disease chiefly of Asia marked by fever, progressive anemia, leukopenia, and enlargement of the spleen and liver and caused by a flagellate of the genus Leishmania (L. donovani) that is transmitted by the bite of sand flies and proliferates in reticuloendothelial cells—called also dumdum fever; see leishman-donovan body
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up kala-azar? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).