recrudescence

noun

re·​cru·​des·​cence ˌrē-krü-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce recrudescence (audio)
: a new outbreak after a period of abatement or inactivity : renewal
a recrudescence of the symptoms
a recrudescence of guerrilla warfare

Did you know?

Recrudescence derives from the Latin verb recrudescere, meaning "to become raw again" (used, for example, of wounds). Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Latin word for raw," which is "crudus." (If you suspect that "crude" is also derived from "crudus," you are correct; another well-known descendant is "cruel.") In its literal sense, "recrudescence" is a medical word denoting a renewed outbreak of a disease. In extended use, it most often describes the return of an undesirable condition, such as a war or a plague, or the return of an undesirable idea.

Examples of recrudescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With that comes the prerogative to employ medieval cruelties – recrudescences from pre-modern empire redeployed in the present. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 The coverage of Italy’s recent elections in the American press has portrayed the success of Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party as a sudden and dangerous recrudescence of Italy’s fascist past. Alexander Stille, The New Republic, 4 Oct. 2022 This is also evident in the recrudescence of the Little House on the Prairie look for younger women, a style that has historically been a favorite among the chronically abstinent. Cintra Wilson, The New York Review of Books, 11 Feb. 2020 All this will lead to a recrudescence of interesting political theory. The Economist, 19 June 2019 Only this wise, collegial institution prevents a recrudescence of World War II. Lionel Shriver, Harper's magazine, 10 Apr. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recrudescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recrudescence was in 1665

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Dictionary Entries Near recrudescence

Cite this Entry

“Recrudescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recrudescence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

recrudescence

noun
re·​cru·​des·​cence ˌrē-krü-ˈdes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce recrudescence (audio)
: a renewal or breaking out again especially of something unhealthy or dangerous
a recrudescence of conflict

Medical Definition

recrudescence

noun
re·​cru·​des·​cence ˌrē-krü-ˈdes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce recrudescence (audio)
: increased severity of a disease after a remission
also : recurrence of a disease after a brief intermission compare relapse

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