leukosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific (Veterinary/Medical)
Quick answer
What does “leukosis” mean?
A condition characterized by an abnormal proliferation of leukocytes (white blood cells), often referring to a group of malignant diseases of the blood-forming tissues in animals, particularly birds and mammals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A condition characterized by an abnormal proliferation of leukocytes (white blood cells), often referring to a group of malignant diseases of the blood-forming tissues in animals, particularly birds and mammals.
In veterinary medicine, any of several neoplastic diseases of the hemolymphatic system, especially avian leukosis (a viral disease in chickens) and bovine leukosis. In human medicine, the term is largely historical or used informally to refer to leukemia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English typically uses 'leucosis', while American English uses 'leukosis'. The 'k' spelling is dominant in American scientific literature.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialized veterinary/medical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “leukosis” in a Sentence
The veterinarian diagnosed the flock with + [DISEASE TYPE] leukosis.An outbreak of + [DISEASE TYPE] leukosis + occurred.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “leukosis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The leucotic lesions were examined.
- A leucosis-free flock is essential.
American English
- The leukotic lesions were examined.
- A leukosis-free flock is essential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in veterinary science and comparative pathology research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context. Refers to specific viral-induced neoplastic diseases in animal husbandry and veterinary diagnostics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “leukosis”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “leukosis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “leukosis”
- Using 'leukosis' to refer to human leukemia (archaic/incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'leucosis' in American technical writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both involve abnormal white blood cells, 'leukemia' is the standard term for the human disease. 'Leukosis' is a veterinary term for specific neoplastic diseases in animals, often caused by retroviruses.
No. Humans get leukemia. The viruses that cause avian or bovine leukosis are not transmissible to humans under normal conditions.
Domestic poultry (chickens) and cattle are the primary species of concern. Avian leukosis and enzootic bovine leukosis are significant economic diseases in agriculture.
Yes, the forms referred to as leukosis are often caused by viruses (e.g., Avian Leukosis Virus, Bovine Leukemia Virus) and can spread within a herd or flock through direct contact, bodily fluids, or in ovo (in the egg) transmission.
A condition characterized by an abnormal proliferation of leukocytes (white blood cells), often referring to a group of malignant diseases of the blood-forming tissues in animals, particularly birds and mammals.
Leukosis is usually technical/scientific (veterinary/medical) in register.
Leukosis: in British English it is pronounced /ljuːˈkəʊsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /luːˈkoʊsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LEUKO' (white, as in white blood cells) + 'OSIS' (a condition or process). It's a condition of white blood cells, primarily in animals.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this highly technical term.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'leukosis' most commonly used today?