aphtha

An aphtha is a non specific term that refers to an ulcer of the mouth.

The word is derived from the Greek word aphtha meaning "eruption" or "ulcer".

Aphthovirus (from the Greek aphtha-, vesicles in the mouth) is a viral genus of the family Picornaviridae.

Since the word aphtha is often taken to be synonymous with ulcer, it has been suggested that the term "aphthous ulcer" is redundant, but it remains in common use.

Flaubert knew of this fraternal weakness: the notes he took on parrots when researching Un coeur simple include a list of their maladies - gout, epilepsy, aphtha and throat ulcers.