psoriasis

[ suh-rahy-uh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a common chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by scaly patches.

psoriasis

/ ˌsɔːrɪˈætɪk; səˈraɪəsɪs /

noun

1. a skin disease characterized by the formation of reddish spots and patches covered with silvery scales: tends to run in families

psoriasis

/ sə-rī′ə-sĭs /

1. A chronic, inflammatory skin disease in which recurring reddish patches, often covered with silvery scales, appear especially on the knees, elbow, scalp and trunk. Psoriasis is noncontagious and is inheritable.

Derived Forms

• psoriatic, adjective

Other Words From

• pso·ri·at·ic [sawr-ee-, at, -ik, sohr-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of psoriasis¹

First recorded in 1675–85; from New Latin, from Greek psōríāsis, from psōriā- (variant stem of psōriân “to have the itch,” derivative of psṓra “itch”) + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of psoriasis¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek: itching disease, from psōra itch

Example Sentences

It could also pave the way for a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.

From Science Daily

The “declinable conditions” — those for which applicants could be rejected without further medical review — included broken bones, kidney stones, depression, arthritis and psoriasis.

From Los Angeles Times

Some $6.5 billion of that was spent on developing Stelara, a Johnson & Johnson drug used to treat Crohn's disease, arthritis and psoriasis.

From Salon

After reading all of the instant accusations against Walz, I was half expecting to hear he had flat feet, eczema, psoriasis and halitosis.

From Salon

In addition to treating psoriasis, the scientists can envision applications such as patches to speed wound healing on patients with diabetes.

From Science Daily