How to Pronounce Leprosy
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Leprosy Pronunciation
LEP-roh-see
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
LEP
stress here
roh
see
3 syllables
What is Leprosy?
A chronic infectious disease caused by the slow-growing bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin, nerves, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. Also called Hansen's disease, it causes skin lesions, numbness, and muscle weakness and historically caused severe deformity; it is curable with multidrug therapy.
Questions About Leprosy
How do you pronounce 'leprosy'?
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Leprosy is pronounced LEP-roh-see. The first syllable rhymes with 'step,' the second syllable sounds like 'row' (as in a boat), and the third syllable sounds like 'see.' Say it out loud: LEP (stress here) roh see.
Which syllable is stressed in 'leprosy'?
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The first syllable, LEP, gets the stress. This is the most common pronunciation, though some people mistakenly stress the second syllable (roh), which sounds unnatural. Remember: LEP-roh-see, with the emphasis on LEP.
How many syllables does 'leprosy' have?
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Leprosy has three syllables: LEP-roh-see. Breaking it into parts helps you say it smoothly without rushing or adding extra sounds.
What does 'leprosy' mean in simple terms?
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Leprosy is the everyday name for a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin and nerves. The medical term for it is Hansen's disease, which you might hear doctors use instead.
Is there another name for leprosy?
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Yes, the medical term is Hansen's disease, named after the scientist who discovered the bacterium that causes it. Both names refer to the same condition, and healthcare providers often use 'Hansen's disease' in modern medical contexts.
What is the origin of the word 'leprosy'?
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The word 'leprosy' comes from the Greek word 'lepra,' which means 'scaly' or 'scabby,' referring to the skin changes associated with the disease. The suffix '-y' simply turns it into a noun meaning 'the condition of.'
What related words share the same Greek root as 'leprosy'?
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The word 'leprous' (meaning affected by or relating to leprosy) shares the same Greek root 'lepra.' You might also hear 'leprosarium,' which is an older term for a facility where people with leprosy received care.
What is a common mispronunciation of 'leprosy'?
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A common mistake is saying LEP-ross-ee or luh-PROS-ee, with the stress on the wrong syllable. The correct way is always LEP-roh-see, with stress on the first syllable and a long 'oh' sound in the middle.
How would you use 'leprosy' in a sentence?
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Here's an example: 'The patient was diagnosed with leprosy, which doctors also call Hansen's disease.' This shows how both names are used interchangeably in medical conversation.