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Glite Dictionary
ochronosis

ochronosis

9.9
A buildup of dark pigment in cartilage and other body tissues
  • noun
  • /ˌɑːkroʊˈnoʊsɪs/
  • Specialized
: ocronosis
  • A rare complication of alkaptonuria is the development of ochronosis, which darkens the cartilage.

Examples

  • A rare complication of alkaptonuria is the development of ochronosis in cartilage and joints.

  • Histological examination confirmed the presence of ochronosis in the ear cartilage.

  • Early diagnosis of ochronosis can prevent severe connective tissue damage in affected individuals.

  • The patient was diagnosed with ochronosis after showing symptoms of joint pain.

  • Doctors often see ochronosis in patients with alkaptonuria.

  • Doctors often see ochronosis in patients with alkaptonuria, leading to joint damage.

  • Early diagnosis of ochronosis can help prevent severe damage to connective tissues in affected individuals.

Surface Forms

ochronosis singular
ochronoses plural

Morphology

ochronosis = ochre (opaque) = ochro + osis

Although 'ochro-' relates to a colour (ochre), the medical sense ('dark pigment accumulation') and the technical suffix '-osis' make the meaning non-obvious to average learners.

Etymology

The word ochronosis comes from the Greek root ochro- meaning 'pale yellow' and the ending -osis meaning 'condition'. The same ochro- is in English ochre, and a helpful way to remember ochronosis is that it names a condition where pigment builds up in cartilage and other tissues, making them look dark or discolored.