Containing many bacilli; specifically designating mycobacterial infections, especially types of leprosy, in which some or many bacilli can be demonstrated in lesions or secretions; of, relating to, or suffering from such an infection.
Origin
1940s. After French multibacillaire.
Definition of multibacillary in US English:
multibacillary
adjective
Medicine
Containing many bacilli; specifically designating mycobacterial infections, especially types of leprosy, in which some or many bacilli can be demonstrated in lesions or secretions; of, relating to, or suffering from such an infection.