# acanthosis

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acanthosis
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a medical condition where the skin becomes thick and rough, often appearing on the hands and feet. It is usually caused by a lack of a certain hormone.

For teachers: a skin condition characterized by the thickening and roughening of the epidermis, typically associated with a deficiency in vitamin A. Often manifests as a symptom of hypothyroidism or malnutrition.

## Examples

- The doctor diagnosed the patient with acanthosis after examining the thick skin on her hands.
- Acanthosis is a common sign of vitamin A deficiency, often appearing as a rough, scaly rash on the palms and soles.
- While the patient's primary concern was the aesthetic appearance of the thickened skin, the physician noted that acanthosis could be an early indicator of a more systemic hormonal imbalance.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.