SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

eczema

noun
Save Word
ec·​ze·​ma | \ ig-ˈzē-mə How to pronounce eczema (audio) , ˈeg-zə-mə, ˈek-sə- How to pronounce eczema (audio) \

Definition of eczema

: an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular lesions which become scaly, crusted, or hardened
Other Words from eczema Example Sentences Learn More about eczema

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from eczema

eczematous \ ig-​ˈze-​mə-​təs How to pronounce eczema (audio) \ adjective

Examples of eczema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As a child, Lane-Hayes experienced medical issues including extreme hair loss, eczema, asthma and allergies that severely limited her diet and mobility. — Anchorage Daily News, "Meet the Alaska students who are earning bachelor’s degrees - as teenagers," 24 Dec. 2020 The company was founded by Krystn Keller, whose son Elliott suffered in infancy from extreme eczema. — al, "Alabama mom’s business featured in ‘Drew Barrymore Show’ gift guide," 17 Dec. 2020 Cow's milk, meanwhile, has been linked in studies to acne, children's eczema and chronic fatigue. — Tyler Jett, USA TODAY, "Fact check: No evidence that almond milk can give women larger breasts," 3 Dec. 2020 Melodic Elements also sells specialty products like African black soap imported from Ghana, which helps heal skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. — Dahlia Ghabour, The Courier-Journal, "Shop local: Here are 5 holiday gift ideas from Black-owned businesses in Louisville," 12 Nov. 2020 The eczema on her eyes looks like a red eye shadow that was blended out for a soft wash of color on the lid. — Gabi Thorne, Allure, "Elle Fanning Turned Her Eyelid Eczema Into a Beauty Moment," 15 Sep. 2020 And people with skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema are automatically just prone to sensitivity. — Audrey Noble, Seventeen, "How to Figure Out Your Skin Type—And Why You Should Care," 26 Oct. 2020 Seborrheic dermatitis occurs on your scalp and is often called seborrheic eczema or seborrheic psoriasis, the Mayo Clinic explains. — Korin Miller, SELF, "How to Know When Your Dry Skin Is Actually Eczema," 6 Oct. 2020 Topicals’ Like Butter moisturizing mask is a thick cream full of anti-inflammatory ingredients (like colloidal oatmeal) created for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. — Crystal Martin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Black Scientists, Doctors, and Entrepreneurs Changing The Beauty Industry," 7 Oct. 2020

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

See More

First Known Use of eczema

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for eczema

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek ékzema, from ekze-, stem of ekzéō, ekzeîn "to boil over, (of disease) break out" (from ek- ec- + zeîn "to boil, seethe") + -ma, resultative noun suffix — more at yeast entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about eczema

Time Traveler for eczema

Time Traveler

The first known use of eczema was circa 1753

See more words from the same year

Statistics for eczema

Last Updated

6 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Eczema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eczema. Accessed 22 Jan. 2021.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for eczema

eczema

noun
How to pronounce eczema (audio) How to pronounce eczema (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of eczema

medical : a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to become red, rough, and itchy

See the full definition for eczema in the English Language Learners Dictionary

eczema

noun
ec·​ze·​ma | \ ig-ˈzē-mə How to pronounce eczema (audio) , ˈeg-zə-mə, ˈek-sə-mə \

Kids Definition of eczema

: a skin disease in which the skin is red and itchy and has scaly or crusty patches

eczema

noun
ec·​ze·​ma | \ ig-ˈzē-mə How to pronounce eczema (audio) , ˈeg-zə-mə How to pronounce eczema (audio) , ˈek-sə- How to pronounce eczema (audio) \

Medical Definition of eczema

: an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular lesions which become scaly, crusted, or hardened

Other Words from eczema

eczematous \ ig-​ˈzem-​ət-​əs How to pronounce eczema (audio) \ adjective

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on eczema

Nglish: Translation of eczema for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of eczema for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eczema

Comments on eczema

What made you want to look up eczema? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

sarcophagus

Listen to the pronunciation of sarcophagus

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times

  • ducreux self portrait yawning
  • What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games