rare disease — a medical condition that affects a very small percentage of the population
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a medical condition that affects a very small percentage of the population
Pronunciation (IPA): /rer dɪˈziːz/
Example Sentences
- My friend jokingly said his allergy to homework is a rare disease that only affects lazy students.
- Scientists around the world are collaborating to find treatments for rare diseases.
- Because it's a rare disease, only a handful of specialists know how to diagnose it correctly.
rare disease
NOUN[/rer dɪˈziːz/]
a medical condition that affects a very small percentage of the population

The doctor finally identified a rare disease after years of confusing symptoms.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Rare derives from Latin rarus, meaning 'thinly sown' or 'sparse,' denoting uncommon or infrequent occurrence. Disease originates from Old French desaise, combining dis- (negation) and aise (ease, comfort), literally meaning 'lack of ease' or discomfort, and evolved to denote bodily affliction or illness.
Breakdown
Rare (Latin rarus: sparse, uncommon) + disease (dis- [negation] + ease [comfort]: absence of ease). The compound phrase describes pathological conditions that occur with low frequency in populations.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My friend jokingly said his allergy to homework is a rare disease that only affects lazy students.”
“Scientists around the world are collaborating to find treatments for rare diseases.”
“Because it's a rare disease, only a handful of specialists know how to diagnose it correctly.”
“She has a rare disease that makes her incredibly sensitive to Mondays—doctors call it 'Mondayitis.'”
📚Related Words
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