glanders: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+)Technical (Veterinary/Historical)
Quick answer
What does “glanders” mean?
A contagious, usually fatal, bacterial disease of horses and other equines, characterized by swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and ulcers of the respiratory tract and skin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A contagious, usually fatal, bacterial disease of horses and other equines, characterized by swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and ulcers of the respiratory tract and skin.
The term is used exclusively in veterinary medicine and historical contexts. It can also refer metaphorically to a corrupting or destructive influence, though this usage is extremely rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical connotations of a dreaded, untreatable disease of working animals. Evokes pre-20th century veterinary practice.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialized veterinary texts, historical documents, and literature.
Grammar
How to Use “glanders” in a Sentence
[Animal] contracted glanders.Glanders was diagnosed in [the herd].An outbreak of glanders occurred.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glanders” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The entire stable had to be closed after several animals were found to be glandered.
American English
- The mule tested positive and was said to be glandered.
adjective
British English
- The glandered horse was immediately isolated.
- A glandered nodule was observed.
American English
- They euthanized the glandered animal to prevent spread.
- Glandered tissues were sent for analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in veterinary science papers, historical epidemiology, and agricultural history.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context. Refers to disease caused by *Burkholderia mallei*.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glanders”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glanders”
- Using it as a plural countable noun (e.g., 'a glanders'). Incorrect: 'The horse has a glanders.' Correct: 'The horse has glanders.'
- Confusing it with 'glaucoma' or 'glandular'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, though human cases are rare and usually occur in people with close contact with infected animals (e.g., veterinarians, horse carers).
It has been eradicated in most developed countries through strict control measures, but it still exists in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
Farcy is the chronic, cutaneous (skin) form of glanders, characterized by thickened lymph vessels and skin ulcers. Glanders more broadly refers to the disease, including its respiratory form.
Because the disease itself is now rare in the English-speaking world due to successful eradication programs and advances in veterinary medicine, removing the word from common vocabulary.
A contagious, usually fatal, bacterial disease of horses and other equines, characterized by swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and ulcers of the respiratory tract and skin.
Glanders is usually technical (veterinary/historical) in register.
Glanders: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlændəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlændərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GLAND that is swollen and oozing on a horse – this disease affects the glands. GLAND + DERS (sounds like 'disease').
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS A CORRUPTION (historical metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
What type of animals is glanders primarily associated with?