fistula

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse
noun an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface

Learned borrowing from Latin fistula (“pipe, ulcer, catheter”). Doublet of fester.

I am sorry for Raymond’s fistula; tell him so. — The Journal to Stella, Jonathan Swift
525 The Cassia Fistula or Amaltás is a splendid tree like a giant laburnum covered with a profusion of chains and tassels of gold. — The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse, Valmiki
Marguerite Perier, Pascal's niece, was cured of a fistula lachrymalis on 24 March, 1656, after her eye was touched with this sacred relic, supposed to be a thorn from the crown of Christ. — Pascal's Pensées, Blaise Pascal

fistulous withers

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