ptosis

American  

[toh-sis] / ˈtoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. a drooping of the upper eyelid.

2. prolapse or drooping of any organ.

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ptosis British  

/ ˈtəʊsɪs, ˈtɒtɪk /

noun

1. prolapse or drooping of a part, esp the eyelid

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Other Word Forms

• ptotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of ptosis

1735–45; < New Latin < Greek ptṓsis a falling

Example Sentences

Doctors at Sunderland Royal Hospital were initially baffled and diagnosed her with ptosis, an eye condition characterised by the drooping of the upper eyelid, and told her to go home to rest.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

This process is called pyroptosis, from the Latin "pyro" for fire and the Greek "ptosis" for falling off, like the leaves of a tree.

From Salon • Nov. 2, 2022

The 2-year-old from the Ivory Coast was born with closed eyelids, a condition known as bilateral congenital eyelid ptosis, often referred to as drooping eyelids.

From Washington Times • Dec. 25, 2014

This was diagnosed as ptosis of his organs, and an operation was done to tuck these up.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)

My physical state is deplorable—perpetual hiccough and ptosis of the left eyelid.

From The Parasite by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir