Hansen's disease

noun

Han·​sen's disease ˈhan(t)-sənz- How to pronounce Hansen's disease (audio)
: leprosy

Examples of Hansen's disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin, nerves and eyes. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Modern medicine tells us that the stigma and resulting isolation were unfounded, as Hansen's disease is not easily spread from person to person. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is a slow-growing bacteria that's difficult to contract and easy to treat, according to the Centers for Disease Control. — Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025 Children born to people with Hansen's disease were not allowed to stay with their parents, and she was adopted by the Lawelawes, another Hawaiian family. — Susan Young, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for Hansen's disease

Word History

Etymology

Armauer Hansen †1912 Norwegian physician

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hansen's disease was in 1938

Rhymes for Hansen's disease

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Browse Nearby Words

Hansen
Hansen's disease
hansenotic
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Cite this Entry

“Hansen's disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hansen%27s%20disease. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Hansen's disease

noun
Han·​sen's disease ˈhan(t)-sənz- How to pronounce Hansen's disease (audio)
: leprosy

Medical Definition

Hansen's disease

noun
: leprosy

More from Merriam-Webster on Hansen's disease

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Hansen's disease

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