pilonidal

[pahy-luh-nahyd-l]

adjective

Pathology.

1. noting or pertaining to a growth of hair in a dermoid cyst or in the deeper layers of the skin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilonidal¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; pile ³, -o-, nidus, -al ¹

Example Sentences

“I had what’s called a pilonidal infection. It’s an infection at the top of your butt crack,” he said, trying not to crack a smile.

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Many a pilonidal cyst is never discovered.

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In last week's Southern Medical Journal, Dr. Louis Arthur Buie of the Mayo Clinic said that after draft officials got over being choosy and started sending along pilonidal cyst cases, "overconscientious" Army & Navy surgeons began operating on all cysts, even uninfected "dimples."

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