xerophthalmia

noun

xe·​roph·​thal·​mia ˌzir-ˌäf-ˈthal-mē-ə 

ˌzir-ˌäp-ˈthal-

: a dry thickened lusterless condition of the eyeball resulting especially from a severe systemic deficiency of vitamin A

xerophthalmic

ˌzir-ˌäf-ˈthal-mik 

ˌzir-ˌäp-ˈthal-

adjective

Examples of xerophthalmia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While rare, a true deficiency of vitamin A can lead to a condition called xerophthalmia, which can damage normal vision and result in night blindness—the inability to see in the dark or low light. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, 7 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek xērophthalmia, from xēr- xer- + ophthalmia ophthalmia

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

xerophthalmia

noun

xe·​roph·​thal·​mia ˌzir-ˌäf-ˈthal-mē-ə, -ˌäp-ˈthal- 

: a dry thickened lusterless condition of the eyeball resulting especially from a severe systemic deficiency of vitamin A compare keratomalacia

xerophthalmic

-mik 

adjective