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xerophthalmia

American

[zeer-of-thal-mee-uh, -op-] / ˌzɪər ɒfˈθæl mi ə, -ɒp- /

noun

Ophthalmology.

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

xerophthalmia British

/ ˌzɪərɒfˈθælmɪə /

noun

Also called: xeroma. pathol excessive dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, caused by a deficiency of vitamin A

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

xerophthalmic adjective

Etymology

Origin of xerophthalmia

1650–60; xer- ( def. ) + ophthalmia

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fat-soluble A, especially with certain minerals, is thought to prevent rickets and a disease of the eye called xerophthalmia.

From School and Home Cooking by Greer, Carlotta Cherryholmes

McCollum claims that this vitamine is likewise a factor in the prevention of the eye disease known as xerophthalmia, and other scientists also hold this opinion.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Proudfit, Fairfax T.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023