necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs 

ne-

plural necroses nə-ˈkrō-ˌsēz 

ne-

: usually localized death of living tissue

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Cells die naturally after a period of time, but may also die as a result of injuries, infections, or disease. Burns produce necrosis, and the bedsores experienced by immobile or bedridden patients are a form of necrosis. The dreaded condition known as gangrene, in which the dying tissue turns black or green, is another form. When untreated, the dying cells release substances that lead to the death of surrounding cells, so untreated necrosis can lead to death. Treatment usually requires the removal of the necrotic tissue, and in severe cases can even involve amputating a limb.

Examples of necrosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Typical deficiency symptoms are yellowing and necrosis of the leaf margins. —Dr. Haiying Tao, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2024

Then the man went to the hospital a few days ago with pain and the doctors discovered necrosis of the small intestine after having his colon removed awhile ago, Joe said. —Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024

Your hellebore may be infected with Helleborus net necrosis virus, also known as black death. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2024

Viper venoms are often dominated by toxins known as metalloproteinases, which are a diverse group of tissue-destroying proteins whose effects range from hemorrhaging edema, inflammation, hypotension to necrosis. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek nekrōsis, from nekroun to make dead, from nekros dead body

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing necrosis

• avascular necrosis
• phloem necrosis
• tumor necrosis factor

Medical Definition

necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs, ne- 

plural necroses -ˌsēz 

: death of living tissue

specifically : death of a portion of tissue differentially affected by local injury (as loss of blood supply, corrosion, burning, or the local lesion of a disease) compare necrobiosis