Catarrh \Ca*tarrh"\, n. [L. catarrhus, Gr. ?, ?, a running down, rheum, fr. ?; kata` down + ? to flow. See Stream.]

(Med.) An inflammatory affection of any mucous membrane, in which there are congestion, swelling, and an altertion in the quantity and quality of mucus secreted; as, catarrh of the stomach; catarrh of the bladder.

Note: In America, the term catarrh is applied especially to a chronic inflammation of, and hypersecretion fron, the membranes of the nose or air passages; in England, to an acute influenza, resulting a cold, and attended with cough, thirst, lassitude, and watery eyes; also, to the cold itself.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)