psoriasis

American  

[suh-rahy-uh-sis] / səˈraɪ ə sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. a common chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by scaly patches.

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psoriasis British  

/ ˌsɔːrɪˈætɪk, səˈraɪəsɪs /

noun

1. a skin disease characterized by the formation of reddish spots and patches covered with silvery scales: tends to run in families

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psoriasis Scientific  

/ sə-rī′ə-sĭs /

1. A chronic, inflammatory skin disease in which recurring reddish patches, often covered with silvery scales, appear especially on the knees, elbow, scalp and trunk. Psoriasis is noncontagious and is inheritable.

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Other Word Forms

• psoriatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of psoriasis

First recorded in 1675–85; from New Latin, from Greek psōríāsis, from psōriā- (variant stem of psōriân “to have the itch,” derivative of psṓra “itch”) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

For inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis, intensity appeared to be the key factor in lowering risk.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

The launch of generic treatments in the U.S. for psoriasis, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis helped to boost 2025 revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

In psoriasis, for example, an excessive buildup of immune cells in the skin drives ongoing inflammation and skin damage.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

Some light therapies are used in hospitals for eczema, psoriasis and acne, but those are very different, delivering precisely targeted UV rays under strict medical supervision.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

She just kept combing his hair with her fingers, kissing it in the spots where it was irritated with the psoriasis he often had.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee