1580s, from Greek elephantos, genitive of elephas "elephant" (see elephant) + -iasis "pathological or morbid condition." It refers to two diseases, one characterized by thickening of a body part (E. Arabum), the other, older meaning is "disease characterized by skin resembling an elephant's" (E. Gr?corum, also called Egyptian leprosy). In Middle English, elephancy (late 14c.).
雙語例句
1. Mosquitoes also carry lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis.