cruels: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic)Archaic / Historical / Medical (obsolete)
Quick answer
What does “cruels” mean?
The noun 'cruels' is a rare or archaic term historically used for scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes of the neck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The noun 'cruels' is a rare or archaic term historically used for scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes of the neck.
Historically, it could be extended to refer to various severe or persistent ailments, especially those involving glandular swellings. In the plural, it sometimes functioned as a collective noun for forms of suffering or hardship considered pitifully cruel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary distinction. The term is equally archaic and unused in both variants.
Connotations
If encountered, it carries strong connotations of historical suffering, pre-modern medicine, and the language of the past.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in both varieties. More likely to be found in British historical texts due to the historical context (e.g., 'the King's Evil', a name for scrofula).
Grammar
How to Use “cruels” in a Sentence
[patient] suffered from the cruels[patient] was afflicted with the cruelsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used only in historical, literary, or medical history contexts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Obsolete medical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cruels”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'cruel acts'.
- Assuming it is the plural form of the adjective 'cruel'.
- Attempting to use it in contemporary speech or writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it looks like a plural, it is a fixed, archaic noun referring to a specific disease. The adjective 'cruel' forms its standard plural only when referring to cruel people or things (e.g., 'the cruels of the world'), not as a disease name.
No, it is considered an obsolete term. Using it would be confusing or appear affected. Use the modern medical term 'scrofula' or 'tuberculous lymphadenitis' if needed.
The disease was named for the cruel and distressing symptoms it caused—painful swellings and sores. The name reflects the suffering inflicted, not the nature of a person.
It is listed in comprehensive dictionaries like the OED and some unabridged dictionaries with a historical or archaic label, but not in standard learner's or desk dictionaries.
The noun 'cruels' is a rare or archaic term historically used for scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes of the neck.
Cruels is usually archaic / historical / medical (obsolete) in register.
Cruels: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkruːəlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkruəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in contemporary use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a historical novel: 'The cruel disease, called the cruels, left cruel marks on the poor child's neck.' The repeated sound links the word to its harsh meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLNESS AS CRUELTY (The disease is personified as a cruel agent inflicting suffering).
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'cruels'?