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psoriasis

American  
[suh-rahy-uh-sis] / səˈraɪ ə sɪs /

noun

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


psoriasis British  
/ 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

"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

psoriasis Scientific  
/ sə-rīə-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.


Other Word Forms

  • psoriatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of psoriasis

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

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.

Scientists have uncovered new details about how certain sugars help immune cells enter the skin during psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease.

From Science Daily

The launch of generic treatments in the U.S. for psoriasis, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis helped to boost 2025 revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some light therapies are used in hospitals for eczema, psoriasis and acne, but those are very different, delivering precisely targeted UV rays under strict medical supervision.

From BBC

Roughly 20 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis eventually develop painful joint inflammation.

From Science Daily

She said she developed agoraphobia and psoriasis after the harassment and needed antidepressants.

From Barron's