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

The study involved a total of 20 patients, half of whom had prurigo nodularis and half of whom had chronic pruritus of unknown origin.

From Science Daily

Patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin experienced a 54 percent reduction in itching and pain symptoms.

From Science Daily

It was beneficial for those with an itching disease called prurigo nodularis as well as for those with chronic pruritus of unknown origin, a condition that causes chronic unexplainable itching symptoms.

From Science Daily

And people with pruritus ani, the technical term for itchy anus, are often cautioned to avoid toilet paper, leading them to bidets.

From Seattle Times