Ca*tarrh" (?), n. [L. catarrhus, Gr. &?;, &?;, a running down, rheum, fr. &?;; kata` down + &?; to flow. See Stream.] (Med.) An inflammatory affection of any mucous membrane, in which there are congestion, swelling, and an altertion in the quantity and quality of mucus secreted; as, catarrh of the stomach; catarrh of the bladder.

&fist; In America, the term catarrh is applied especially to a chronic inflammation of, and hypersecretion fron, the membranes of the nose or air passages; in England, to an acute influenza, resulting a cold, and attended with cough, thirst, lassitude, and watery eyes; also, to the cold itself.

• inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat