dermatomyositis

noun der·ma·to·my·o·si·tis \ ˌdər-mə-tō-ˌmī-ə-ˈsī-təs , (ˌ)dər-ˌma- \

|Updated on: 2 Jul 2018

Definition of dermatomyositis

: polymyositis that is accompanied by involvement of the skin and that is marked especially by reddish erythematous eruptions usually on the face, neck, upper trunk and distal half of the limbs and by violet-colored erythema of the eyelids and region over the upper eyelids

Recent Examples of dermatomyositis from the Web

In the second grade, Kendall was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a disease that attacks the muscles.

— richard obert, azcentral, "azcentral Sports Awards: Courage Award finalists," 6 June 2018
Battling dermatomyositis, the senior guard led the team in assists (3.9) and added on 11.7 points per game.

— katherine fitzgerald, azcentral, "American Family Insurance All-USA Arizona High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year nominees," 17 Mar. 2018
Ellie Ramos, 50, of Paradise Hills received meal delivery services from Mama’s Kitchen from 2012 to 2015 while battling breast cancer, severe radiation burns and the connective tissue disease dermatomyositis.

— pam kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Attorney marks 25 years of service to Mama's Kitchen," 8 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dermatomyositis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dermatomyositis

New Latin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1899

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

dermatomyositis

noun der·ma·to·my·o·si·tis \ -ˌmī-ə-ˈsīt-əs \

medical Definition of dermatomyositis

plural dermatomyositises or dermatomyositides play \-ˈsit-ə-ˌdēz\

: polymyositis that is accompanied by involvement of the skin and that is typically marked by reddish erythematous eruptions especially on the face, neck, upper trunk and distal half of the limbs, by periorbital edema, by violet-colored erythema of the eyelids and region over the upper eyelids, and sometimes by cutaneous vasculitis or subcutaneous calcification

The specific trigger for dermatomyositis is not known, but it is thought that several cancers can produce or incite the body to produce antibodies, proteins, and hormones.
—Stewart Massad, Discover, October 2009

—abbreviation DM