keratosis

noun

ker·​a·​to·​sis ˌker-ə-ˈtō-səs 

plural keratoses ˌker-ə-ˈtō-ˌsēz 

: an area of skin marked by overgrowth of horny tissue

keratotic

ˌker-ə-ˈtä-tik 

adjective

Examples of keratosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Actinic keratosis: These reddish patches are extremely common and caused by UV exposure. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Sep. 2024

Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum Buy Now for $72 Like a facial for your body, this potent retinol serum treats everything from keratosis pilaris and crepiness to stretch marks. —Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2024

Crafted from superfine sanding crystals enriched with shea butter, aloe leaf juice, and spirulina extract, this delivers gentle physical exfoliation to relieve keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs, and rough skin textures. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024

Overproduction of sebum, the tendency for bacterial infections, and/or the blockage of the glands (known as keratosis) can all lead to acne development. —Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Keratose, from Greek kerat-, kéras "horn" + German -ose -osis — more at kerato-

Note: The term was promulgated, if not introduced, by the German physician Hermann Lebert (1813-78) in Ueber Keratose, oder die durch Bildung von Hornsubstanz erzeugten Krankheiten und ihre Behandlung, Breslau, 1864.

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

keratosis

noun

ker·​a·​to·​sis ˌker-ə-ˈtō-səs 

plural keratoses -ˌsēz 

1

: a disease of the skin marked by overgrowth of horny tissue

2

: an area of the skin affected with keratosis

keratotic

-ˈtät-ik 

adjective