thrush2

 
Pronunciation: /θrʌʃ/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1infection of the mouth and throat by a yeast-like fungus, causing whitish patches. Also called candidiasis.
    • The fungus belongs to the genus Candida, subdivision Deuteromycotina, in particular C. albicans
  • infection of the genitals with the same fungus.
  • 2a chronic condition affecting the frog of a horse’s foot, causing the accumulation of a dark, foul-smelling substance. Also called canker.

Origin:

mid 17th century: origin uncertain; thrush2 (sense 1) possibly related to Swedish torsk and Danish troske; thrush2 (sense 2) perhaps from dialect frush in the same sense, perhaps from Old French fourchette 'frog of a horse's hoof'