scrofula
C2archaic/technical-historical
Definition
Meaning
A historical medical term for tuberculosis of the lymph nodes in the neck, especially in children.
Occasionally used metaphorically to describe a deep-seated, persistent moral or social corruption.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a historical medical term, now almost entirely obsolete in clinical use. Modern terminology is 'tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis' or 'King's Evil' (historical name). Its use today is almost exclusively in historical or literary contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage, as the term is equally archaic in both varieties. The historical name 'King's Evil' (for the belief the monarch's touch could cure it) is slightly more prevalent in British historical texts due to the monarchy.
Connotations
Connotes historical medicine, pre-20th century pathology, and possibly poverty or poor hygiene in historical settings.
Frequency
Extremely low and declining in both varieties, found only in historical/medical literature or deliberate archaic stylings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Patient] had/suffered from scrofula.Scrofula affected [body part].Scrofula was treated with [method].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The King's Evil (historical idiom for scrofula, referencing the royal touch)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, literary, or medical history contexts to describe a past disease.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be misunderstood.
Technical
Obsolete in modern clinical medicine. Used in medical history or historical pathology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The scrofulous glands were clearly visible.
- He had a scrofulous appearance, pale and thin.
American English
- The scrofulous swellings were documented in her chart.
- The old texts described scrofulous patients in detail.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the 18th century, many children suffered from scrofula, a disease causing swollen neck glands.
- The historical novel described a character disfigured by scrofula.
- The monarch's ritual touching of scrofula sufferers, known as 'touching for the King's Evil', was a potent piece of political theatre.
- Medical historians debate whether all cases diagnosed as scrofula were truly tubercular in origin.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SCROtum' + 'FUL' of lumps? (A crude, but memorable link to swollen glands) - but it affects the neck.
Conceptual Metaphor
Disease as corruption (e.g., 'the scrofula of greed infected the institution').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как "чесотка" (scabies) или "парша" (favus). Это специфическая форма туберкулёза. Ближайший исторический термин — "золотуха".
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing as /skroʊˈfuːlə/.
- Using it to refer to any skin disease.
- Using it in a modern medical context.
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern medical term most closely corresponding to 'scrofula'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. With improved sanitation, nutrition, and the use of antibiotics like rifampin, tuberculosis of the lymph nodes (scrofula) is now rare in developed countries.
It was a medieval and early modern belief, particularly in England and France, that the touch of a reigning monarch (the 'royal touch') could cure the disease. This practice reinforced the divine right of kings.
Yes, but it is a very rare and literary usage. It can describe a persistent, corrupting influence within a system or person (e.g., 'the scrofula of corruption').
It is almost exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'scrofulous', which can describe someone with the disease or, metaphorically, something morally corrupt or squalid.