What does xerosis mean?
Xerosis is the abnormal or excessive dryness of body tissues, most often affecting the skin but also the eyes and mouth. In medical writing, the term can describe a wide range of conditions in which moisture or natural secretions are insufficient, although it is especially common in discussions of dermatology and dry eye problems. The word is more precise than the everyday expression “dryness” because it generally implies an abnormal state rather than a temporary or ordinary condition. Patients might also describe oral xerosis, while cutaneous xerosis refers more specifically to dryness of the skin. Xerosis is therefore useful to readers who want the clinical concept behind symptoms such as scaling, irritation, cracking, or discomfort caused by prolonged dryness.
nounAbnormal or excessive dryness of body tissues, especially the skin, eyes, or mouth. The term is chiefly used in medicine and dermatology.
- Abnormal or excessive dryness of body tissues, particularly the skin, eyes, or mouth.
"The patient's persistent xerosis required a moisturizing regimen and regular reassessment."
"Chronic xerosis of the skin is often associated with frequent bathing, harsh cleansers, or reduced moisture in the surrounding air."
"Her dentist explained that the discomfort she described could reflect xerosis caused by reduced salivary flow."
The plural is rare; singular xerosis is usual in medical usage.
"Severe xeroses can cause painful cracking of the skin."
From the same dry root as xeric and xerophyte, xerosis describes the body becoming dry when moisture is seriously lacking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does xerosis come from?
The word comes from the Greek adjective xēros, meaning “dry,” combined with the suffix -osis, which is used to form names of conditions or abnormal states. The same Greek root underlies words such as xeric, xerophyte, and xerography. Its direct English derivative is the adjective xerotic, meaning “dry” or “characterized by dryness.”
Related word forms
How xerosis is actually used
This is a formal, chiefly medical term. It is more specific than the ordinary word “dryness” and is usually used when dryness is abnormal, persistent, or clinically significant.
Easily confused with xerosis
Xerosis is a general term for abnormal dryness of tissues, whereas xerostomia specifically refers to a dry mouth or insufficient salivary flow.