What does rhinorrhoea mean?
Rhinorrhoea is the medical term for an excessive discharge of mucus from the nose, commonly described in everyday language as a runny nose. It may occur with colds, allergies, sinus inflammation, viral infections, irritation, and several other respiratory or environmental conditions. The word is most often encountered in clinical descriptions of symptoms, such as acute or chronic rhinorrhoea, rather than in general conversation. “Rhinorrhea” is the standard spelling in American medical usage, while “rhinorrhoea” is chiefly British. Although the condition itself is familiar, the formal term is useful because it identifies the symptom specifically without implying that its cause is known. It should not be confused with rhinitis, which more generally denotes inflammation of the nasal passages, although the two can occur together.
nounAn excessive discharge of mucus from the nose, producing a runny or streaming nose. The term is used mainly in medical contexts.
- An excessive flow or discharge of mucus from the nose.
"Her persistent rhinorrhoea made it difficult to sleep through the night."
"The doctor said that the acute rhinorrhoea was a common symptom of the viral infection."
"Dust exposure triggered severe rhinorrhoea, which continued for several hours."
The plural is used when referring to separate cases or types of the condition.
"Researchers compared the symptoms of patients with persistent rhinorrhoeas caused by different allergens."
Behind rhinorrhoea lies a compact Greek formula: rhis, “nose,” and rhein, “to flow”—literally, “a flow from the nose.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rhinorrhoea come from?
Rhinorrhoea combines the Greek rhis or rhinos, meaning “nose,” with rhein, meaning “to flow.” The construction therefore literally means “a flow from the nose.” Its relatives include rhinology, the study of the nose, and rhinitis, inflammation of the nasal passages.
Related word forms
How rhinorrhoea is actually used
This is primarily a medical term and is less common in everyday speech, where “runny nose” is normally used. In British medical writing it is commonly spelled rhinorrhoea, whereas US usage generally prefers rhinorrhea.
Easily confused with rhinorrhoea
Rhinorrhea is the US spelling of the same word and has the same meaning as rhinorrhoea.