consumptive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a person with pulmonary tuberculosis
    lunger; tubercular.
  2. adjective tending to consume or use often wastefully
    • water suitable for beneficial consumptive uses
    • duties consumptive of time and energy
    • consumptive fires
  3. adjective satellite afflicted with or associated with pulmonary tuberculosis
    • a consumptive patient
    • a consumptive cough

WordNet

Con*sump"tive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. consomptif.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to consumption; having the quality of consuming, or dissipating; destructive; wasting.
    It [prayer] is not consumptive or our time. Sharp.
    A long consumptive war. Addison.
  2. (Med.) Affected with, or inclined to, consumption.
    The lean, consumptive wench, with coughs decayed. Dryden.
Con*sump"tive noun
Definitions
  1. One affected with consumption; as, a resort for consumptives.

Webster 1913