quinsy

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a painful pus filled inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues; usually a complication of tonsillitis

Etymology

From Middle English quinesye, from Old French quinencie, from Medieval Latin quinancia, from Ancient Greek κυνάγχη (kunánkhē, “canine quinsy”), from κύων (kúōn, “dog”) + ἄγχω (ánkhō, “throttle”). Doublet of cynanche.

In classic literature

Synonyms

peritonsillar abscess

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