An obscure illness, disease or condition affecting a comparatively small number of people, but with symptoms somewhat similar to one or more different and more common illnesses.
It is named because these diseases/conditions are sometimes misdiagnosed by well meaning (but often inexperienced) doctors when something far more common is actually the cause. Medical students are told "remember, if you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras".
It is named because these diseases/conditions are sometimes misdiagnosed by well meaning (but often inexperienced) doctors when something far more common is actually the cause. Medical students are told "remember, if you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras".
Doctor 1 - "I think this patient may have Castleman's disease"
Doctor 2 - "Castleman's disease is a zebra, there are far more likely causes of his fever and weight loss."
Doctor 2 - "Castleman's disease is a zebra, there are far more likely causes of his fever and weight loss."
by PiemasterUK December 08, 2010
by Stitch2002 December 05, 2018
Zebra is a woman who is free spirited and can not be tamed. They can be the most loving that you will ever meet but if you attemt to put a saddle on them they will run away
by BIGGDAD September 13, 2009
by babbbbaay13 January 05, 2010
Get the Zebra mug.
by Ryan J Johnson August 28, 2005
by Latin Luva March 27, 2008