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Definition of tuberculize in English:

tuberculize

(also tuberculise)

Pronunciation /t(j)ʊˈbəːkjʊlʌɪz/ /tʃʊˈbəːkjʊlʌɪz/

verb

rare

  • To affect with tuberculosis; to infect with or expose to tuberculosis or tubercle bacilli; (in later use) to cause to develop resistance to tuberculosis, especially on a (supposedly) inherited or racial basis (now historical). Occasionally also reflexive.

Origin

Mid 19th century (in an earlier sense). From tubercule + -ize, largely after French tuberculiser.