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

Cocaine can cause sinus inflammation and infection, as well as necrosis. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

The surgery that removed the dog’s back right leg — which was originally riddled with necrosis and showing underlying bone — saved the animal’s life just in time. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

The decay and death (necrosis) of skin tissue on the feet is a very serious foot problem associated with advanced diabetes. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025

Robert knows of people who have forced their own impairments—via acids, ethanol shots, and most often by a method involving prolonged immersion of the unwanted limb in dry ice until necrosis sets in and a surgeon is forced to amputate. —Michelle Orange, Harper's Magazine, 14 Dec. 2023

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

Rhymes for necrosis

• cirrhosis
• fibrosis
• gliosis
• hypnosis
• ichthyosis
• ketosis
• kurtosis
• lordosis
• meiosis
• miosis
• mitosis
• mycosis

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