pruritus

[ proo-rahy-tuhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. itching.

pruritus

/ prʊəˈraɪtəs; prʊəˈrɪtɪk /

noun

1. any intense sensation of itching
2. any of various conditions characterized by intense itching

Derived Forms

• pruritic, adjective

Other Words From

• pru·rit·ic [pr, oo, -, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pruritus¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin prūrītus an itching, equivalent to prūrī ( re ) to itch + -tus suffix of v. action

Word History and Origins

Origin of pruritus¹

C17: from Latin: an itching; see prurient

Example Sentences

Chronic pruritus of unknown origin is most prevalent among older adults and causes severe itching lasting longer than six weeks.

From Science Daily

That can cause pruritus — the medical term for itch — though not usually this severe.

From New York Times

Mosquito bites are the most common source of acute itch — or pruritus, in doctor-speak.

From Washington Post

The last dermatologist thought he might have scabies — tiny mites barely visible to the naked eye that can live on the body and cause intense itching, or pruritus.

From New York Times

We examined the patients’ plasma before and after treatment with gefitinib and documented changes in chemokines and leukocyte counts associated with the extent of rash or the presence of pruritus.

From Science Magazine