from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
phthisis \phthi"sis\ (th[imac]"s[i^]s; 277), n. [L., fr. Gr.
fqi`sis, fr. fqi`ein to pass or waste away: cf. F. phthisie.]
(Med.)
A wasting or consumption of the tissues. The term is now
obsolete; it was once applied to many wasting diseases, but
in the early 1900's became restricted to tuberculosis of the
lungs (pulmonary phthisis, or consumption). See
{Consumption}. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster + PJC]
{Fibroid phthisis}. See under {Fibroid}.
[1913 Webster]