catarrh

n. [ L. catarrhus, Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, a running down, rheum, fr. &unr_;; kata` down + &unr_; to flow. See Stream. ] (Med.) An inflammatory affection of any mucous membrane, in which there are congestion, swelling, and an altertion in the quantity and quality of mucus secreted; as, catarrh of the stomach; catarrh of the bladder. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In America, the term catarrh is applied especially to a chronic inflammation of, and hypersecretion fron, the membranes of the nose or air passages; in England, to an acute influenza, resulting a cold, and attended with cough, thirst, lassitude, and watery eyes; also, to the cold itself. [ 1913 Webster ]