pityriasis

noun

pit·​y·​ri·​a·​sis ˌpi-ti-ˈrī-ə-səs How to pronounce pityriasis (audio)
: any of various skin conditions of humans or domestic animals marked by dry scaling patches of skin

Examples of pityriasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Several other skin conditions can cause similar-looking rashes, like Lyme disease, pityriasis rosea, psoriasis, and nummular eczema. Sarah Bradley, Health, 3 Aug. 2024 Causes can range from somewhat harmless sun spots and milia to more serious pityriasis alba, vitiligo, and tinea versicolor that can cause major changes in skin color. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 July 2024 Tinea versicolor, clinically known as pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal skin rash caused by an overgrowth of a certain yeast that is naturally present on your skin. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 July 2024 What is pityriasis rosea? Lauren Caruso, Allure, 17 Aug. 2021 Shah says the large, scaly flakes from the videos could also be pityriasis amiantacea, which is a severe form of seborrheic dermatitis that is a result of psoriasis, eczema, or even a fungal infection. Jessica Cruel, Allure, 20 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pityriasis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, from pityron scurf

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pityriasis was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near pityriasis

Cite this Entry

“Pityriasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pityriasis. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Medical Definition

pityriasis

noun
pit·​y·​ri·​a·​sis ˌpit-ə-ˈrī-ə-səs How to pronounce pityriasis (audio)
plural pityriases -ˌsēz How to pronounce pityriasis (audio)
1
: any of several skin diseases marked by the formation and desquamation of fine scales
2
: a disease of domestic animals marked by dry epithelial scales or scurf due to alteration of the function of the sebaceous glands and possibly associated with digestive disorders
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!