xeroderma

1 9.9

Very dry, rough skin that flakes and feels uncomfortable

noun
/ˌzɪəroʊˈdɜrmə/

Specialized

: xerodermia

xeroderma pigmentosum

Examples

These factors include medical conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum and genetic influences such as albinism and skin type.

Academic text (1998)
A patient with xeroderma often experiences peeling and cracking of the skin due to its dryness.
To manage xeroderma, doctors recommend using hydrating creams regularly.
Individuals with xeroderma may have skin that appears rough and is more prone to irritation.

Synonyms

xerosis

vsxeroderma

Specialized

1 9.9

A condition in which the skin or body tissues are very dry

is focused on the skin and adds roughness as a defining feature

xerodermia

vsxeroderma

Specialized

9.9

A skin condition that makes the skin very dry, rough, and itchy

is similar but can indicate any severity rather than only mild cases

Antonyms

moist

101 1.0

Slightly wet in a pleasant or suitable way

hydrated

Specialized

1 4.4

Containing water inside its solid crystals, as some salts and minerals

Compounds

xeroderma pigmentosum

Specialized

1 9.9

A rare genetic condition that makes the skin very sensitive to sunlight and greatly increases skin cancer risk

How Dry

xeroderma

Specialized

1 9.9

xerodermia

Specialized

9.9

Surface Forms

xeroderma singular

xerodermas plural

Morphology

xeroderma = xero + derma

Built from specialist Greek combining forms 'xero-' (dry) + 'derma' (skin) that are not common standalone English words, so an average B1 learner cannot reliably derive the meaning.

Etymology

The word xeroderma comes from Greek parts xero- meaning 'dry' and -derma meaning 'skin'. So, xeroderma means 'dry skin', which is why the term is used for the medical condition of very dry, rough skin.