alopecia

American  

[al-uh-pee-shee-uh, -see-uh] / ˌæl əˈpi ʃi ə, -si ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. loss of hair; baldness.

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alopecia British  

/ ˌæləˈpiːʃɪə /

noun

1. loss of hair, esp on the head; baldness

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alopecia Scientific  

/ ăl′ə-pē′shə /

1. Loss of hair; baldness.

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Other Word Forms

• alopecic adjective

Etymology

Origin of alopecia

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin, from Greek alōpekía “mange in foxes,” equivalent to alōpek- (stem of alṓpēx ) “fox” + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

It’s unclear whether an increasing number of people are experiencing hair loss, although some researchers say lifestyle and dietary habits can bring on early onset androgenetic alopecia.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

One condition is known as alopecia areata which is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles - causing the hair to fall out.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, is one of the most widespread causes of hair thinning in both men and women.

From Science Daily • Oct. 10, 2025

Salon dug into the full context of Rock’s history mocking Pinkett Smith, her condition of alopecia and possibly even Rock’s own issues.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2022

Anomalies of the Hair.—Congenital alopecia is quite rare, and it is seldom that we see instances of individuals who have been totally destitute of hair from birth.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)