What does nevus mean?
A nevus is a usually benign growth of skin cells, most often a pigmented lesion known in everyday speech as a mole. The most common type consists of a localized accumulation of melanocytes and may be present from birth or develop later. Although most nevi are harmless, changes in their size, shape, color, or border can be medically important and may justify examination. In specialized dermatology, nevus is also used more broadly for certain congenital tissue growths, including vascular nevi. The term belongs primarily to clinical and professional language, with nevus being especially common in North America and naevus the usual British spelling. It differs from a freckle because a freckle is an area of increased pigment rather than a distinct cellular growth.
nounA nevus is a usually benign, localized proliferation of skin cells, often appearing as a pigmented lesion commonly called a mole. In specialized medical usage, the term may also refer to a congenital vascular or other tissue growth.
- A localized growth of the skin, usually benign and often pigmented, formed by an accumulation of melanocytes.
- A congenital vascular or other tissue growth, such as a port-wine stain, when used in more specialized medical classifications.
"The dermatologist examined the changing nevus to determine whether it required further evaluation."
"She has a small nevus behind her left ear."
"The clinician photographed the dysplastic nevus and recommended regular monitoring."
Both nevi and naevi are standard plurals; medical literature frequently uses naevi.
"The clinician monitored several nevi for changes in appearance."
A nevus is the medical term for what is often called a mole: a minute landmark that can still be clinically significant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nevus come from?
The word entered English from the Latin naevus, meaning a birthmark or natural mark on the skin. English initially used the spelling naevus, while nevus became the standard North American spelling. The plural nevi reflects the usual English formation of an -us noun, although the Latin-based plural naevi remains common in medical writing.
Related word forms
How nevus is actually used
In everyday English, nevus usually means a melanocytic mole and is most common in North American medical usage; British spelling commonly uses naevus. The word is primarily professional or clinical and should not be used as a diagnosis without appropriate examination.
Easily confused with nevus
A freckle is a small area of increased pigmentation that does not represent a proliferation of melanocytes, whereas a nevus is a discrete growth of skin cells.