necrosis

[ nuh-kroh-sis, ne- ]

noun

1. death of a circumscribed portion of animal or plant tissue.

necrosis

/ nɛˈkrəʊsɪs; nɛˈkrɒtɪk /

noun

1. the death of one or more cells in the body, usually within a localized area, as from an interruption of the blood supply to that part
2. death of plant tissue due to disease, frost, etc

necrosis

/ nə-krō′sĭs /

1. The death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body. Causes of necrosis include inadequate blood supply (as in infarcted tissue), bacterial infection, traumatic injury, and hyperthermia.

Derived Forms

• necrotic, adjective

Other Words From

• ne·crot·ic [n, uh, -, krot, -ik, ne-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of necrosis¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from New Latin, from Greek nékrōsis “mortification, state of death”; necr-, -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of necrosis¹

C17: New Latin from Greek nekrōsis , from nekroun to kill, from nekros corpse

Example Sentences

Particularly effective are drugs like antitumor necrosis factor agents.

From Time

Immediately after being diagnosed with lupus, I developed avascular necrosis—a joint disease.

From Time

I’ve had ultrasounds looking for unexplained swelling, and hip X-rays searching for signs of avascular necrosis—you know, outright pelvic bone death.

From Outside Online

Necrosis of bone may be the result of any injury, such as severe blows, or pricks and stabs.

From Project Gutenberg

Necrosis of the bones of the nose may take place, in which case the discharge becomes peculiarly offensive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decease
• demise
• dying
• expiration
• loss of life
• passing