ENGLISH
REFERENCE

psoriasis

n.
C1 Advanced US //sɝˈaɪəsəs// UK //sˈɔːɹɪˌæsiz// pso·ri·a·sis

n. a long-term skin condition where red patches with white scales appear on the skin. It is not contagious and can be very itchy or painful.

n. a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterised by the rapid proliferation of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, scaly patches. It is typically associated with inflammation and can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, elbows, and knees.


SIMPLE

He visits the dermatologist every month to manage his psoriasis.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people with psoriasis find that their symptoms improve significantly during the summer months when they spend more time in the sun.

COMPLEX

While the exact cause remains unknown, psoriasis is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that stimulate an overactive immune response.

Origin

From Late Latin psōriasis (“mange, scurvy, psoriasis”), from Koine Greek ψωρίασις (psōríasis), from Ancient Greek ψώρα (psṓra, “itch”) + -σις (-sis, “-sis: forming nouns of action & medical disorders”). Cognate with psora.

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