kuru

[ koor-oo ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Pathology.

a fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive lack of coordination and dementia, known only among certain Melanesian peoples, especially the Fore of New Guinea, and caused by a slow virus: now virtually extinct.

kuru

/ ˈkʊruː /

a degenerative disease of the nervous system, restricted to certain tribes in New Guinea, marked by loss of muscular control and thought to be caused by a slow virus

kuru

/ kr′o̅o̅ /

A rare, progressive, degenerative neurological disease found in certain peoples of New Guinea and associated with cannibalism. It is thought to be caused by a prion and results in a fatal encephalopathy.
See Note at prion

Origin of kuru¹

First recorded in 1955–60; < a dialect of Fore, a language of the Eastern Highlands District

Origin of kuru¹

C20: from a native name

Kuru—an exceedingly rare condition, Kuru occurred at epidemic proportions among the Fore people of New Guinea in the 1950s.

Karna clasped the Kuru's princes, parted from them one and all, With his bow and ample quiver proudly stepped the warrior tall.

Noble is the boon thou seekest,” answered Kuru's prince of fame, “Be a joy unto your comrades, let the foeman dread thy name!

Drona priest and great preceptor, saintly Kripa true and brave, Kuru's monarch Dhrita-rashtra, may the gods thy empire save!

Kuru maids for fair Draupadi fortune's fitful will upbraid, And their tear-dewed lotus-faces with their streaming fingers shade!

Seek we out the Kuru monarch, proud Duryodhan let us meet, If he falls we win the battle, other chieftains will retreat.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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