LAZARETTO Meaning and
Definition
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A lazaretto refers to a facility, usually a building or complex, established for the isolation and quarantine of individuals afflicted with contagious diseases. It originated from the Italian word "lazareto," which derived from the biblical character Lazarus, a man who was raised from the dead by Jesus. The term was often applied to leper hospitals during the Middle Ages, with lazarets serving as sanctuaries for people suffering from leprosy and other infectious ailments.
In the modern context, a lazaretto is commonly associated with the management and control of epidemic outbreaks. It serves as a haven where affected individuals are separated from the general population to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases. These facilities feature strict isolation protocols and rigorous medical supervision to ensure that patients receive appropriate care while minimizing any potential transmission risks to others.
Additionally, the term "lazaretto" can also refer to certain historical buildings or areas associated with quarantine practices. These may include former quarantine stations, island or coastal resorts, and even abandoned ships used as quarantine vessels. Such sites often have significance in terms of public health history and are sometimes preserved as landmarks or museums, offering insights into the protocols and conditions of quarantine throughout different periods of time.
Overall, a lazaretto is a crucial institution in times of epidemics, providing isolation, care, and protection for those affected by highly contagious diseases, while simultaneously safeguarding the wider community from further transmission.
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1. A leper hospital. 2. A hospital for the treatment of contagious diseases, a pest-house. 3. A place of detention for persons in quarantine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LAZARETTO
- kazaretto
- pazaretto
- oazaretto
- lzzaretto
- lszaretto
- lwzaretto
- lqzaretto
- laxaretto
- lasaretto
- laaaretto
- lazzretto
- lazsretto
- lazwretto
- lazqretto
- lazaeetto
- lazadetto
- lazafetto
- lazatetto
- laza5etto
- laza4etto
Etymology of LAZARETTO
The word "lazaretto" originated from the Italian "lazzaretto", which was derived from the Latin "Lazarus". "Lazarus" refers to the biblical character who was raised from the dead by Jesus.
In the Middle Ages, the term "Lazar house" was used to describe a hospital or quarantine accommodation for individuals suffering from infectious diseases such as leprosy. These facilities were often located outside of city walls or on islands to isolate those affected and prevent the spread of diseases. Over time, the term evolved into "lazaretto" in Italian, which denoted both the hospital and the quarantine stations.
The word "lazaretto" was later borrowed by several languages, including English, to refer to similar establishments or quarantine stations. Today, it is often used to describe quarantine facilities, hospitals, or isolation centers.
Similar spelling words for LAZARETTO
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