xerophthalmia

[ zeer-of-thal-mee-uh, -op- ]

noun

, Ophthalmology.

1. abnormal dryness of the eyeball characterized by conjunctivitis, caused by a deficiency of tears and attributed to a lack of vitamin A.

xerophthalmia

/ ˌzɪərɒfˈθælmɪə /

noun

1. pathol excessive dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, caused by a deficiency of vitamin A Also calledxeromazɪˈrəʊmə

Derived Forms

• ˌxerophˈthalmic, adjective

Other Words From

• xeroph·thalmic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of xerophthalmia¹

1650–60; xer- ( def ) + ophthalmia

Example Sentences

The development of deficiency diseases (scurvy, rickets, xerophthalmia, rickets and malnutrition).

From Project Gutenberg

He'd have blubbered like any old ZeuglodonHad Xerophthalmia not come on.

From Project Gutenberg