necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs 

ne-

plural necroses nə-ˈkrō-ˌsēz 

ne-

: usually localized death of living tissue

Did you know?

Cells die naturally after a period of time, but may also die as a result of injuries, infections, or disease. Burns produce necrosis, and the bedsores experienced by immobile or bedridden patients are a form of necrosis. The dreaded condition known as gangrene, in which the dying tissue turns black or green, is another form. When untreated, the dying cells release substances that lead to the death of surrounding cells, so untreated necrosis can lead to death. Treatment usually requires the removal of the necrotic tissue, and in severe cases can even involve amputating a limb.

Examples of necrosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Venom also often causes necrosis, or tissue death, at the site of the bite, which can lead to permanent disabilities. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2025

The outlet reported Ronald Fenty died at the end of May at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering from a combination of acute respiratory failure, pancreas cancer, aspiration pneumonia, contributed by acute renal failure, and acute tubular necrosis. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 9 July 2025

Other causes shown in the document include acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis, TMZ reported. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 26 June 2025

And the man with a gruesome hole in his body as a result of necrosis. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek nekrōsis, from nekroun to make dead, from nekros dead body

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing necrosis

• avascular necrosis
• phloem necrosis
• tumor necrosis factor

Rhymes for necrosis

• cirrhosis
• fibrosis
• gliosis
• hypnosis
• ichthyosis
• ketosis
• kurtosis
• lordosis
• meiosis
• miosis
• mitosis
• mycosis

Medical Definition

necrosis

noun

ne·​cro·​sis nə-ˈkrō-səs, ne- 

plural necroses -ˌsēz 

: death of living tissue

specifically : death of a portion of tissue differentially affected by local injury (as loss of blood supply, corrosion, burning, or the local lesion of a disease) compare necrobiosis