leper colony
English
Etymology
Popularized during the period of New Imperialism, when leprosy was largely absent in Europe but seen as a growing threat in its colonial empires.
Noun
leper colony (plural leper colonies)
- An isolated community used to house lepers, usually in permanent quarantine from the rest of society.
Synonyms
- leprosarium, leprosaria (formal); leper village, leprosy village (chiefly China)
Translations
isolated community of lepers — see also leprosery
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