1. relating to or affected by phthisis (tuberculosis of the lungs); consumptive
Usage: medical; archaic or formal
2. wasted, emaciated, or showing signs of decline in health
Usage: archaic or literary

Examples

• The phthisical patient was admitted to the sanatorium for treatment.
• His phthisical appearance alarmed his family.
• In the 19th century, phthisical consumption was a leading cause of death.
• The character's phthisical condition worsened throughout the novel.
• Doctors recognized the phthisical symptoms immediately.