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noun

psoriasis

suh-REYE-uh-sihs

Psoriasis (noun) means a long-term skin condition that causes red, inflamed patches covered in silvery, flaky scales. Example: “Her psoriasis flared up on her elbows during the stressful exam period.”

noun
1
A long-term skin condition that causes red, inflamed patches covered in silvery, flaky scales.
"Her psoriasis flared up on her elbows during the stressful exam period."
"The dermatologist prescribed a steroid cream to calm the psoriasis patches."

How to use psoriasis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chronic skin disease that produces itchy, scaly red patches — not contagious, and often linked to the immune system.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with eczema, a different (though similar-looking) skin condition.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
psoriasis flare-up scalp psoriasis psoriasis patches

Word forms

psoriases plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ flared up on her elbows during the stressful exam period.

Etymology

From Greek psora ("itch") plus the medical suffix -sis, via Late Latin psoriasis.

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for psoriasis

See all rhymes for psoriasis →

Frequently asked questions

What does “psoriasis” mean?

The word “psoriasis” means a long-term skin condition that causes red, inflamed patches covered in silvery, flaky scales. In plain terms, a chronic skin disease that produces itchy, scaly red patches — not contagious, and often linked to the immune system.

How do you pronounce “psoriasis”?

“Psoriasis” is pronounced suh-REYE-uh-sihs (/səˈɹaɪ.əsɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “psoriasis” in a sentence?

Here is “psoriasis” used in a sentence: “Her psoriasis flared up on her elbows during the stressful exam period.”

What part of speech is “psoriasis”?

“Psoriasis” is a noun.

Where does the word “psoriasis” come from?

The word “psoriasis” comes from Late Latin. From Greek psora ("itch") plus the medical suffix -sis, via Late Latin psoriasis.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial