vitiligo

noun

vit·​i·​li·​go ˌvi-tə-ˈlī-(ˌ)gō  -ˈlē- 

: a skin disorder manifested by smooth white spots on various parts of the body

Examples of vitiligo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Genetic and environmental factors and oxidative stress (damage from free radicals) contribute to vitiligo. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024

For instance, in ancient Egypt, people who experienced loss of skin pigment (vitiligo) would treat the condition by covering their skin with the juice of false bishop's weed (Ammi majus) and then lying in the sun to darken their skin. —Ars Technica, 27 Nov. 2024

The 2023 line included several different Barbies and Kens in wheelchairs, Barbies and Kens with vitiligo, the first doll with Down syndrome and a Ken with a prosthetic leg. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 23 July 2024

Harlow shot to fame as the first person with vitiligo to achieve a successful international modeling career. —Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, skin eruption

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

vitiligo

noun

vit·​i·​li·​go

ˌvit-ᵊl-ˈī-(ˌ)gō also -ˈē-

: a progressive skin disorder that is a form of leukoderma caused by the localized or generalized destruction of melanocytes and marked by sharply circumscribed white spots of skin