# tuberculosis

/təˌbɝkjəˈɫoʊsɪs/ (US) · /tjˌuːbəkjʊlˈəʊsɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tuberculosis
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

a serious disease that usually attacks the lungs and can spread from person to person through the air. It is caused by bacteria and often makes people cough or feel very weak.

For teachers: an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other parts of the body. Characterised by the formation of tubercles in the tissues.

## Examples

- The doctor tested the patient for tuberculosis after a long cough.
- Public health officials worked tirelessly to track the spread of tuberculosis within the crowded urban housing complex.
- While modern antibiotics have made tuberculosis treatable, the emergence of drug-resistant strains remains a significant concern for global health organisations and medical researchers.

## Usage notes

- Often abbreviated as TB in both medical and general contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.