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hypopigmentation

hypopigmentation

1 8.8
A part of the skin that is lighter than normal because it has less color
  • noun
  • /ˌhaɪpoʊˌpɪɡmənˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipopigmentación
  • Certain medical conditions can lead to hypopigmentation, resulting in lighter patches on the skin.

Examples

  • Individuals with hypopigmentation often look for ways to restore an even skin tone.

  • University faculty can present and disseminate program information at conferences that include parents, such as those of the National Association of Parents with Visually Impaired Children and the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation.

    Academic text (2008)
  • When we went to a NOAH (National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation) conference, it was an awakening, not just about visual impairment or albinism, but about differences.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Areas of skin affected by hypopigmentation can appear much lighter than the surrounding skin.

Synonyms

depigmentation
vshypopigmentation
  • Specialized
1 8.2

Loss of colour in the skin or hair that makes them look lighter

describes lighter skin areas from pigment reduction rather than only total loss
achromasia
vshypopigmentation
  • Specialized
1 9.9

An unusual lack of color in the skin that makes it look very pale

refers to skin areas becoming lighter from pigment reduction without implying cause
achromia
vshypopigmentation
  • Specialized
9.9

A lack of colour in the skin or in red blood cells

focuses on lighter skin patches caused by reduced pigment rather than total absence

Antonyms

hyperpigmentation
  • Specialized
1 7.7

Skin that becomes darker in some areas because it has more colour, often after sun, injury, or illness

How Pigmented

hyperpigmentation
  • Specialized
1 7.7
pigmentation
  • Specialized
8 5.2
hypopigmentation
  • Specialized
1 8.8
depigmentation
  • Specialized
1 8.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

hypopigmentation = pigmentation (transparent) = hypo + pigment + ation

The word is formed by adding the productive prefix 'hypo-' meaning 'under' or 'below normal' to 'pigmentation', so the meaning 'reduced pigmentation' is directly compositional.

Etymology

Hypopigmentation breaks into hypo- meaning 'under' or 'less' and pigment meaning 'color', so it literally means 'less color' in the skin and describes patches that become lighter than normal.