disp. n. an acute infectious bacterial disease with inflammation of a mucous membrane esp. of the throat, resulting in the formation of a false membrane causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Derivatives:
diphtherial adj. diphtheric adj. diphtheritic adj. diphtheroid adj. Etymology: mod.L f. F diphtheacuterie, earlier diphtheacuterite f. Gk diphthera skin, hide