Stevens-Johnson syndrome

noun

Ste·​vens-John·​son syndrome ˌstē-vənz-ˈjän(t)-sən- How to pronounce Stevens-Johnson syndrome (audio)
: a severe and sometimes fatal form of erythema multiforme that is characterized especially by extensive erosive lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (as of the mouth, nose, esophagus, anus, and genitalia) and by purulent conjunctivitis which sometimes results in corneal damage leading to blindness and that usually occurs following an infectious illness or adverse drug reaction but often has no identifiable cause

Browse Nearby Entries

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stevens-Johnson syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/Stevens-Johnson%20syndrome. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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