xerophthalmia

American

[zeer-of-thal-mee-uh, -op-] / ˌzɪər ɒfˈθæl mi ə, -ɒp- /

noun

Ophthalmology.

abnormal dryness of the eyeball characterized by conjunctivitis, caused by a deficiency of tears and attributed to a lack of vitamin A.

xerophthalmia British

/ ˌzɪərɒfˈθælmɪə /

noun

Also called: xeroma. pathol excessive dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, caused by a deficiency of vitamin A

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

xerophthalmic

adjective

Etymology

Origin of xerophthalmia

1650–60; xer- ( def. ) + ophthalmia

Vocabulary lists containing xerophthalmia

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He'd have blubbered like any old Zeuglodon Had Xerophthalmia not come on.

From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn

Xerophthalmia: Xerophthalmia and optic atrophy were seen occasionally and often left permanent damage to vision, and sometimes complete blindness.

From Blood Brothers A Medic's Sketch Book by Rohlfing, Sam

GUERRERO, L. E., AND CONCEPCION: Xerophthalmia in fowls on polished rice and its clinical importance.

From The Vitamine Manual by Eddy, Walter H.

Xerophthalmia, zē-rof-thal′mi-a, n. a dry form of conjunctivis.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023