sore throat

sore throat (countable and uncountable, plural sore throats)

1. (countable) Any inflammation of the pharynx that causes soreness.
2. (pathology, uncountable) The same, as a common symptom for many viral and bacterial infections.
   • 1846, C. H. J. Routh, “Hospital reports”, in Thomas Wakley, Henry Bennet, editors, The London Lancet, volume IV, page 78:

     Complains of a bad taste in his mouth ; there is some sore throat and difficulty of deglutition ; appetite very bad ; not very thirsty […] .

   • 1879, Prosser James, Sore throat, its nature, varieties, and treatment', page 135:

     Some sore throat is a common symptom also in erysipelas of the scalp.

   • 2010, Kate Valery, “Prayer at the Bus Stop”, in Love Triangle: Anthology of Poetry and Short Stories, page 12:

     I have a bit of sore throat.

• clergyman's sore throat

• pharyngitis