What does keloid mean?
A keloid is a type of raised, thickened scar that forms after a skin injury, characterized by an overgrowth of scar tissue. It is a benign growth that can appear as a firm, rubbery, or hard bump on the skin, often larger than the original wound. Keloids can be itchy, tender, or painful, and can be treated with various medical interventions, including injections, creams, or surgical removal. The term keloid is often used in medical and dermatological contexts to describe this specific type of skin growth. Understanding keloids is important for proper diagnosis and treatment of skin injuries and conditions.
nounA type of raised, thickened scar that forms after a skin injury, characterized by an overgrowth of scar tissue.
- A type of raised, thickened scar
- A type of skin growth
"The doctor examined the keloid on her patient's arm, advising on treatment options."
"The keloid on her arm was itchy and tender."
"The doctor studied the keloid to determine the best course of treatment."
The plural form keloids is used to describe multiple instances of the skin growth.
"The doctor studied several keloids on the patient's skin to determine the best course of treatment."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of keloid
The word keloid originates from the Greek word 'cheloeidēs', meaning 'wart-like', which is derived from 'cheloe', meaning 'wart', and the suffix '-eidēs', meaning 'like'. The term has been used in medical contexts since the 18th century to describe this type of skin growth.
How keloid is actually used
Keloid is a medical term, often used in formal or technical contexts. It is not commonly used in informal conversation.