LEPER COLONIES Meaning and
Definition
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Leper colonies, also known as leprosaria or lazarettos, are isolated settlements or communities specifically designated for individuals affected by leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The term "leper colony" mainly refers to historical settlements that were established in various parts of the world during different time periods when leprosy was stigmatized and misunderstood.
These colonies served as places of segregation for people diagnosed with leprosy, aiming to isolate and confine them to prevent the spread of the disease to others. Leprosy was historically associated with social stigma, fear, and misconceptions, leading to ostracization and discrimination of its sufferers.
Located in remote areas, often on isolated islands or distant lands away from populated regions, leper colonies were built to provide medical care, housing, supervision, and a sense of community to affected individuals. The colonies typically had their own set of rules and regulations, as well as medical personnel, to provide the necessary treatment, support, and management of the disease.
Over time, advancements in medical knowledge and the introduction of effective treatments for leprosy, such as antibiotics, led to the closure of many leper colonies. The understanding that leprosy is not highly contagious gradually dispelled the myths and prejudices that surrounded the disease. Consequently, the concept of leper colonies has become largely obsolete, replaced by modern healthcare systems that focus on integration and inclusion of leprosy patients into mainstream society, aiming to eliminate discrimination and provide comprehensive care.
Common Misspellings for LEPER COLONIES
- keper colonies
- peper colonies
- oeper colonies
- lwper colonies
- lsper colonies
- ldper colonies
- lrper colonies
- l4per colonies
- l3per colonies
- leoer colonies
- leler colonies
- le-er colonies
- le0er colonies
- lepwr colonies
- lepsr colonies
- lepdr colonies
- leprr colonies
- lep4r colonies
- lep3r colonies
- lepee colonies
Etymology of LEPER COLONIES
The term "leper colonies" is derived from two constituent words: "leper" and "colonies".
"Leper" originates from the Old English word "laepra" or "lepre", which was borrowed from the Late Latin word "lepra" meaning "scaly skin disease". This Latin term came from the Greek word "lepra" with the same meaning. The Greek term was derived from "lepis", meaning "scale".
"Colonies" traces back to the Latin word "colonia", which referred to a settlement or establishment of people outside their native land. This Latin term was derived from the verb "colere", meaning "to cultivate" or "to inhabit".
Therefore, the term "leper colonies" emerged from the combination of "leper" referring to those afflicted with the disease of leprosy and "colonies" indicating the settlements established for lepers in isolated areas.
