Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Antimalarial drugs are medications used to treat or prevent malaria, and they have been instrumental in reducing the number of malaria cases and deaths worldwide. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antimalarial.
Definitions
Antimalarial refers to any substance or medication used to treat or prevent malaria. These drugs work by killing the malaria parasite or preventing its growth in the human body.
Origin
The term antimalarial is derived from the Latin word “malaria,” which means “bad air.” This is because the disease was once thought to be caused by the foul-smelling air in swamps and marshes. The first antimalarial drugs were developed in the early 20th century, and since then, many different types of drugs have been developed to treat and prevent malaria.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antimalarial is defined as “an agent or drug used to treat or prevent malaria.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a substance or drug used to prevent or treat malaria.”
Associations
Antimalarial drugs are associated with the prevention and treatment of malaria. They are also associated with travel to areas where malaria is prevalent and the use of mosquito nets and other protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for antimalarial include antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, and antifungal.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for antimalarial, but some related terms might include malaria, mosquito, and parasite.
The same root words
The root word for antimalarial is “malaria,” which comes from the Italian words “mal” (bad) and “aria” (air).
Example Sentences
- The doctor prescribed an antimalarial drug to prevent malaria during my trip to Africa.
- The use of mosquito nets and antimalarial drugs has helped to reduce the incidence of malaria in many parts of the world.
- Some people experience side effects from antimalarial drugs, such as nausea and headaches.
- The development of new antimalarial drugs is crucial in the fight against malaria.
- The World Health Organization recommends the use of antimalarial drugs for travelers visiting areas where malaria is common.