dermatologist

American  

[dur-muh-tol-uh-jist] / ˌdɜr məˈtɒl ə dʒɪst /

noun

1. a specialist in dermatology, especially a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of the skin.

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Etymology

Origin of dermatologist

First recorded in 1860–65; dermatolog(y) + -ist

Explanation

The person who examines your moles, acne, and other skin problems is called a dermatologist. Once visited mainly for acne problems, dermatologists have become more important, as skin problems have grown more common with our increased exposure to the sun. You know that an "-logy" at the end of a word means "study" and that "-logist" means "one who studies. In the noun dermatologist, the object being studied is the derma, the Greek word for "skin." (The Greeks also used it to refer to "leather" or "hide," which still works for diehard sun worshipers. And think of elephants being called "pachyderms," with their "thick skin.") Dermatology and dermatologist both appeared in English in the 19th century.

Example Sentences

After waiting a year for a dermatologist appointment she was prescribed several different immunosuppressants and took them over the course of 18 months, but says, "nothing was working".

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“Please send recs for all things Indy,” she wrote, before asking for specific referrals for “hairstylists, makeup artists, nail salons, restaurants, vet, dermatologist, spa.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

The eye mask improves delivery of the active ingredients to the skin, says double board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

As Mr. Sasse prepares to leave to see his dermatologist about his bleeding lips, I ask why he chose to die in such a public way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

An alarming purple rash on her leg led to a trip to a dermatologist.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times