alopecia
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Explanation
Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss and baldness. Some types of alopecia are caused by an immune system disorder. While most men experience alopecia, or balding, at some point in their lives, it's less common in women. The term alopecia applies to all types of hair loss, including balding caused by trauma, like tight ponytails, and fungal infections. Extreme forms of alopecia can result in loss of body hair as well. The Greek root of the word is alōpekia, literally "fox mange," from alōpēx, "fox."
Vocabulary lists containing alopecia
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Available clinical records did not provide enough detail to determine the severity, extent, or duration of the alopecia.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026
In androgenetic alopecia, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone plays a major role.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 7, 2026
Tsuji says the findings are "a major breakthrough", a potential game-changer in treating alopecia.
From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026
He never flinched, instead taking it upon himself to bring up prominent women with alopecia.
From Slate ● May 23, 2026
When hair-bearing areas are affected, epilation may occur without destroying the hair follicles and the hairs are reproduced, but if the reaction is excessive permanent alopecia may result.
From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
