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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

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.

McCollum claims that this vitamine is likewise a factor in the prevention of the eye disease known as xerophthalmia, and other scientists also hold this opinion.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Proudfit, Fairfax T.

Fat-soluble A, especially with certain minerals, is thought to prevent rickets and a disease of the eye called xerophthalmia.

From School and Home Cooking by Greer, Carlotta Cherryholmes

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