Aphthae

/ˈæfθiː/ noun

Definition

The plural form of aphtha; multiple small ulcers or blisters occurring in the mouth.

Etymology

From Greek aphtha, using the standard Greek plural ending -ae. This is the medical and scientific plural form, while 'aphthae' remains common in clinical and dental terminology.

Kelly Says

Notice how medical Latin preserved the Greek plural 'aphthae' instead of anglicizing it to 'aphtas'—this shows how medicine deliberately keeps old language alive to maintain professional precision and historical connection.

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