favus

noun

fa·​vus ˈfā-vəs How to pronounce favus (audio)
: any of several contagious skin diseases caused by ascomycetous fungi (such as Trichophyton schoenleinii) and occurring in humans and many domestic animals

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, honeycomb

First Known Use

circa 1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of favus was circa 1543

Dictionary Entries Near favus

Cite this Entry

“Favus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

favus

noun
fa·​vus ˈfā-vəs How to pronounce favus (audio)
: a contagious skin disease of humans and many domestic animals and fowl that is caused by a fungus (as Trichophyton schoenleinii) and that in humans chiefly affects the scalp with the formation of scutula followed by hair loss and scarring

called also honeycomb ringworm

favic adjective
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