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noun

dermatology

dur-muh-TOL-uh-jee
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Dermatology (noun) means the branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases. Example: “She trained in dermatology after medical school and now runs a skin clinic.”

noun
1
The branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases.
"She trained in dermatology after medical school and now runs a skin clinic."
"The rash was unusual enough that his GP referred him to dermatology."
"Dermatology covers everything from acne to skin cancer."

How to use dermatology

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDermatology is simply the medical study of skin.

When to use it

It is a formal, clinical term used in medical contexts rather than everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Notice the stress falls on the third syllable, tol, not on derm.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
dermatology clinic study dermatology dermatology referral cosmetic dermatology
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Can you complete this real example?

She trained in _____ after medical school and now runs a skin clinic.

Etymology

Dermatology combines the Ancient Greek word for skin, derma, with the suffix -logy, meaning the study of something. Put together, the word describes the medical field devoted to the skin.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for dermatology

See all rhymes for dermatology →

Frequently asked questions

What does dermatology mean?
Dermatology is the medical specialty that deals with the skin and the conditions that affect it.
What is a dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a doctor who specialises in dermatology, diagnosing and treating skin conditions.
Is dermatology only about skin diseases?
Its main focus is skin diseases, though dermatologists also handle general skin health and appearance-related concerns.
What is the meaning of dermatology?
"dermatology" (noun) means the branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases.
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial