Dictionary.net

Infection of the lymph nodes by tuberculosis. Tuberculous infection of the cervical lymph nodes is scrofula.

Scrofulous.

Scrofulous.

A chronic disease tending to the development of glandular tumors.

Tuberculous disease of the constitution, with tumors of the glands, especially of the neck.

A disease due to a deposit of tubercle in the glandular and bony tissues, and in reality a form of tuberculosis or consumption. It generally shows itself by hard indolent tumors of the glands in various parts of the body, but particularly in the neck, behind the ears and under the chin, which after a time suppurate and degenerate into ulcers, from which, instead of pus, a white curdled matter is discharged. Scrofula is not contagious, but it is often a hereditary disease: its first appearance is most usually between the third and seventh year of the child's age, but it may arise between this and the age of puberty; after which it seldom makes its first attack. It is promoted by everything that debilitates, but it may remain dormant through life and not show itself till the next generation. In mild cases the glands, after having suppurated, slowly heal; in others, the eyes and eye lids become inflamed, the joints become affected, the disease gradually extending to the ligaments and bones, and producing a hectic and debilitated state under which the patient sinks; or it ends in tuberculated lungs and pulmonary consumption. Called also STRUMA and KING’S EVIL.

Disease marked by swelling of the glands.

A state of the system characterized by indolent, glandular tumours, chiefly in the neck; suppurating slowly and imperfectly, and healing with difficulty; the disease ordinarily occurring in those of a sanguine temperament, with thick upper lip, &c. The tumours, after suppuration, degenerate into ulcers; which, in process of time, cicatrize, leaving scars. The internal organs are apt to be attacked in those disposed to scrofula; hence they are often the subjects of phthisis and mesenteric affections. Scrofula is hereditary; and is frequently excited by insufficient or improper regimen, and by a close, confined air during the first years of exist-ence. The best treatment is :-to strengthen the system by animal diet; pure air, and exercise, cold bathing, or sea-water bathing, &c.

Tuberculous disease of lymphatic glands and of bone, with slowly suppurating abscesses.

Syn.: king's evil. A term applied to swelling of the neck almost always due to tuberculosis of the cervical glands. The neck was supposed to resemble that of a pig. [Lat.]

n. [Latin] A constitutional disease, generally hereditary, which affects the lymphatic glands, oftenest those of the ueck; king's- evil.