tuberculosis
    n 1: infection transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of
         tubercle bacilli and manifested in fever and small lesions
         (usually in the lungs but in various other parts of the
         body in acute stages) [syn: tuberculosis, TB, T.B.]

Tuberculosis \Tu*ber`cu*lo"sis\, n. [NL. See Tubercle.] (Med.)
   A constitutional disease caused by infection with
   Mycobacterium tuberculosis (also called the Tubercle
   bacillus), characterized by the production of tubercles in
   the internal organs, and especially in the lungs, where it
   constitutes the most common variety of pulmonary phthisis
   (consumption). The Mycobacteria are slow-growing and without
   cell walls, and are thus not affected by the beta-lactam
   antibiotics; treatment is difficult, usually requiring
   simultaneous administration of multiple antibiotics to effect
   a cure. Prior to availability of antibiotic treatment, the
   cure required extensive rest, for which special sanatoriums
   were constructed.
   [1913 Webster +PJC]