pruritus

American  

[proo-rahy-tuhs] / prʊˈraɪ təs /

noun

Pathology.

1. itching.

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pruritus British  

/ prʊəˈraɪtəs, prʊəˈrɪtɪk /

noun

1. any intense sensation of itching

2. any of various conditions characterized by intense itching

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Other Word Forms

• pruritic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pruritus

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin prūrītus an itching, equivalent to prūrī ( re ) to itch + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

Linerixibat—which isn’t currently approved anywhere in the world—is a treatment for cholestatic pruritus, an internal itch caused by a liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

It was beneficial for those with an itching disease called prurigo nodularis as well as for those with chronic pruritus of unknown origin, a condition that causes chronic unexplainable itching symptoms.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2024

And people with pruritus ani, the technical term for itchy anus, are often cautioned to avoid toilet paper, leading them to bidets.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2021

Earlier versions of this article, including the May 17, 2011 print edition of The Washington Post, incorrectly referred to aquagenic pruritus as aquagenic pruritis.

From Washington Post • May 16, 2011

Itching or pruritus about the anus may accompany the trouble to a very annoying extent, being an evidence that the anal pockets are becoming much diseased.

From Intestinal Ills Chronic Constipation, Indigestion, Autogenetic Poisons, Diarrhea, Piles, Etc. Also Auto-Infection, Auto-Intoxication, Anemia, Emaciation, Etc. Due to Proctitis and Colitis by Jamison, Alcinous B. (Alcinous Burton)