chronická

Chronická is a Czech adjective meaning chronic or long-lasting. It is the feminine singular form of chronický and is used with feminine nouns to describe conditions, processes, or states that persist over a long period or recur. In general language it can describe any lasting characteristic, but in medical terminology it is especially common to denote diseases or symptoms that are long-lasting and typically harder to cure completely, requiring ongoing management.

Etymology: The term derives from the Greek chronikos, from chronos “time,” and entered Czech through Latin or other European languages. The root chron- is found throughout many languages to indicate time or duration.

Usage: Because adjectives in Czech agree with their nouns in gender, number, and case, chronická is used with feminine nouns, while masculine is chronický and neuter is chronické. Examples: chronická nemoc (feminine noun nemoc), chronická bolest, chronické onemocnění (neuter), chronický zápal (masculine). The word is common in medical contexts but also appears in everyday language to describe long-lasting situations, such as chronická únava (fatigue).

See also: chronic disease, chronic condition, medical terminology. Notes: The distinction between acute and chronic is a common contrast in medicine, with acute referring to short-term or sudden conditions and chronic indicating persistence. The term is used in Czech, Slovak, and other Slavic languages with similar forms.